Screening

Mentoring USA screens prospective mentors by:

1. Reviewing Mentoring USA applications.
2. Fingerprinting all prospective mentors in order to conduct a criminal background check through the SafetNET Program (details below).
3. Requesting 3 personal references on all applications.  References can not be relatives and reference checks are conducted over the phone.
4. Utilizing"New Mentor Training" sessions as informal interviews.
   

What is SafetyNET?

In March 2003, Congress passed the PROTECT Act, which includes a pilot program for conducting criminal background checks called SafetyNET. Through this pilot program, local mentoring organizations across the country can access Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) fingerprint-based background checks on new mentoring volunteers.  Fingerprints are compared with the digitized fingerprints and criminal records in the FBI's master criminal record database (called IAFIS), the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and the National Sex Offender Registry.

 SafetyNET casts a wide net and considers the following criterion offenses*:

• Any felony of any kind (defined as any crime punishable by 1 year or more in jail, even if the individual was actually sentenced to lesser time).
• Any lesser crime (i.e. misdemeanor or citation) in which sexual relations is an element. This also includes so-called "victimless crimes" like pornography and prostitution.
• Any lesser crime involving controlled substances (i.e. drugs). This also includes any DUI where drugs were involved, but does not include strictly alcohol-related offenses.
• Any lesser crime involving force or threat of force against a person.
• Any lesser crime involving cruelty or abuse to animals.
• Any arrest for a crime against a minor.

Following the background check a report is sent with SafetyNET's eligibility determination for the individual in question. 

The Volunteer screening process allows for applicants to disclose a criminal record; having a criminal record does not preclude an individual from mentoring. However, if it is not truthfully disclosed volunteers will be considered ineligible.  Eligibility determinations will be made on a case by case basis if the applicant has committed a criterion offense. 

It is Mentoring USA's policy to consider whether a past conviction should bar current participation which includes but is not limited to  a ‘direct relationship' between the conviction and the volunteer opportunity in question and/or accepting the applicant would pose an ‘unreasonable risk' to the safety of persons or property.    Mentoring USA reserves the right to exercise this policy at will. Mentoring USA also reserves the right to determine an individual ineligible to mentor based on reference check findings and informal interview conclusions. 

Mentoring USA DOES NOT keep the personal information disclosed on the SafetyNET waver forms and fingerprint cards on file. All paperwork and fingerprint cards are sent directly to SafetyNET and are not copied or replicated.     

Some sites require an additional interview with their Site Supervisor and the Mentoring USA Volunteer Manager will facilitate that process when necessary.

 *categories of offenses that may indicate that an individual could endanger a child's welfare.