At EDIFY Background Screening, our journey began with a mission to elevate the standard of volunteer and applicant screening for non-profits and churches. Our founder, motivated by firsthand experiences of inadequate reports and lack of support from large screening firms while working in a non-profit, was driven to create a more effective solution. This led to the establishment of EDIFY Background Screening, a company dedicated to addressing the unique needs and budget constraints of non-profits through a meticulously designed four-step process:
STEP 1: Identify the Applicant
Our process starts with a thorough validation of an applicant’s identity. We perform a comprehensive Social Trace and delve into address history using exclusive “Credit Header” information that’s inaccessible to the public. This initial step is crucial as it reveals detailed identifiers such as the applicant’s residential history over the last 10-15 years, including all associated names, aliases, and AKA’s, along with corresponding address information. This sets the foundation for the subsequent steps.
STEP 2: Investigate Potential Criminal Activity
Building on the information obtained from the Social Trace, we then embark on a meticulous investigation. Our approach encompasses exhaustive database searches, including checks against multi-state sex offender registries covering every state and U.S. territory, scrutinizing Security Watch Lists, and probing Nationwide Criminal Databases. These searches are instrumental in uncovering potential criminal activities across the country. Furthermore, based on the specific package chosen by our clients, this phase may incorporate additional Statewide, On-site county criminal, or Federal searches, ensuring a comprehensive and tailored investigative process.
STEP 3: Verify Criminal Activity
Verification is a pivotal yet often overlooked aspect of the background screening process. Unlike many firms, we are committed to conducting thorough and legal verifications. As per the Fair Credit Reporting Act, all “Database hits” necessitate confirmation at the source, typically the county of the offense. This step may entail additional costs and on-site county checks not included in the base package. Moreover, varying court fees by jurisdiction might apply. We understand the temptation to bypass this step due to cost implications; however, its significance cannot be overstated. Accurate, timely, and complete verification is essential for a legally compliant check, ensuring due diligence and safeguarding your organization against potential risks associated with negligent hiring or retention.
STEP 4: Report Usable Information
In the final step, reporting, we distinguish ourselves by our commitment to accuracy and verification. We meticulously ensure that the information we report is not only accurate and complete but also directly corresponds to your applicant. Unlike many screening firms that may provide a list of names and case records with no guarantee of relevance, we deploy multiple identifiers and trained processors who diligently verify each record. Our goal is to provide you with information that is not only timely and accurate but also directly applicable and beneficial to your organization.
Our comprehensive, four-step process is meticulously crafted to offer the most accurate and legally compliant background checks for churches and nonprofits. We understand the unique challenges and constraints of non-profits, and we’re committed to providing solutions that align with your specific needs. By choosing EDIFY, you are not just conducting background checks; you are investing in the safety and integrity of your organization. We invite you to take the first step in safeguarding your non-profit or church. Let us demonstrate how our tailored approach to background screening can enhance your organization and protect your community.
