A question often posed by prospective clients in need of a new background screening provider is, “Can background checks be done on minors?” This query is crucial for organizations that are comprehensive, fast, affordable, and compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and local and state laws, especially those involved in industries where minors might be employed or volunteer.
The Role of Background Checks for Employers
Background checks are an essential tool for employers to ensure workplace safety and integrity. Here are several key statistics that highlight the protective benefits of background checks:
- Risk Mitigation: Employers who conduct thorough background checks can decrease the risk of fraudulent and criminal activity by up to 55%, enhancing overall security.
- Regulatory Compliance: Regular background screening ensures that employers meet industry-specific compliance requirements, reducing legal risks and potential fines by about 40%.
- Safety and Security: Implementing background checks leads to a 35% reduction in workplace incidents, significantly improving the safety environment for all employees.
How Background Checks Work
Background checks for employment involve a series of steps and components designed to gather pertinent information:
- Social Security Trace: Confirms the identity of the individual and provides a history of their addresses.
- Public and Private Records: Can include checks on criminal records, civil records, credit history, driving records, as well as education and employment verification.
- Scope and Depth: Typically, background checks cover records from the past seven to ten years, depending on legal requirements.
- Results: Common findings include criminal records, verification of educational and employment history, credit status, and driving records.
Performing Background Checks on Minors
Background checks on minors, specifically those aged 16 years and older, are permissible under certain conditions:
- Legal Considerations: Most juvenile records are sealed and cannot be accessed or reported in a background check. However, if a minor has been tried as an adult, those records may be accessible unless they have also been sealed by the court.
- Employment Context: For industries where minors are employed, such as retail, entertainment, or certain apprenticeship programs, background checks can be critical for positions that require handling money, sensitive information, or working in secure areas.
- FCRA and State Laws: All background checks, including those on minors, must comply with FCRA guidelines and state laws, which can vary widely in terms of what is permissible.
Conclusion
To summarize, Can Background Checks Be Done on Minors? Yes, background checks can be conducted on minors, particularly those 16 years and older, under specific circumstances and in compliance with FCRA and state regulations. It’s important for employers to understand the restrictions related to accessing juvenile records and to handle such information with care to ensure compliance and avoid discrimination.
For businesses looking for a reliable and compliant background screening service, EDIFY Background Screening provides comprehensive, efficient, and affordable solutions tailored to meet your specific needs. We ensure that our processes adhere to legal standards, helping you make informed and safe hiring decisions. Contact EDIFY Background Screening today to partner with a qualified consumer reporting agency that can efficiently and legally conduct background investigations on minors or any other group.
