Why Do You Need a Screening Process?
One way you can help prevent child sexual abuse within your organization is by screening out those at risk to cause harm—before they are hired …
Home / Screening & Hiring / Screening Toolbox: Internet, Social Media Search
Because the internet and social media are a rich source of information about prospective candidates, and social media is perceived as a forum in which individuals are likely to reveal a more complex picture of themselves, some organizations include a search of these sources as part of their background check. Since employers are obligated to disclose all information used in making a decision not to hire an individual, you should assess the benefits and risks of acquiring information through social media checks.
A potential benefit of social media/internet searches is the possibility that you could discover information regarding inappropriate behaviors that would not fit with your codes of conduct, including sexualized postings to or about minors, other forms of violence, and/or drug or alcohol abuse.
Potential Risks include:
* These items are protected from discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1964, and other local laws. A candidate cannot be disqualified from a job based on this information alone, and when it is present, can make use of any other information legally challenging. For more information, see the USEEOC website: (p44, CTA) https://www.eeoc.gov/employers
Screening & Hiring
One way you can help prevent child sexual abuse within your organization is by screening out those at risk to cause harm—before they are hired …
Code of Conduct
For your Youth-Serving Organization (YSO) to ensure the safety of the children it serves, there must be a set of principles to guide the environment…
Code of Conduct
Your Code of Conduct will provide your staff, volunteers, and others responsible for children and youth with very specific guidelines that will…
Reporting
Physical and Behavioral Indicators of Abuse Type of AbusePhysical IndicatorsBehavioral IndicatorsPhysical Abuse● Unexplained bruises (in…
Training
Ideally, all children/youth should receive training and education on issues of personal safety and abuse prevention. Personal safety and child…
Policies & Procedures
Your Policies and Procedures must be continuously referred to throughout the year. At a minimum, an annual review of all policies and procedures…
Monitoring Behavior
Monitoring Behavior is the responsibility of all staff to hold each other accountable for appropriate behaviors and to report inappropriate conduct…
Reporting
Staff and volunteers should have a detailed understanding of their responsibility to report child abuse and neglect. At your YSO (Youth-Serving…
Safe Environments
Your youth-serving organization may provide transportation to children and youth—either on a regular or occasional basis. If you’re a larger…
Reporting
Visit the website, Massachusetts Department of Children & Families Locations to find contact information for your local office and see…
Customized child sexual abuse prevention guidelines to meet the unique needs of any organization that serves children.
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