If a criminal record is discovered, its existence alone does not necessarily automatically disqualify a candidate from employment or volunteer service with the children and youth you serve. Although certain offenses are considered grounds for automatic disqualification, most are not. In situations that allow for some discretion, you and/or members of your staff involved in the review of criminal history information can consider and weigh several additional factors on a case-by-case basis. 

These factors include:

• The relevance of the criminal offense to the nature of the employment or volunteer service being sought 
• The nature of the work to be performed 
• The seriousness and specific circumstances of the offense.
• The age of the candidate at the time of the offense 
• The number of offenses 
• The length of time since the offense occurred 
• Whether the applicant has pending charges 
• Any relevant evidence of rehabilitation or lack thereof

More information about the options available and disqualification criteria can be found in the attachment, “What if a Criminal Record is Discovered?”

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