[SCA-AE] ANNOUNCE: Background checks for youth.

[Taranach]

Greetings,

I understand the idea have having a "common" agency do all of the 
background checks for the average person... this makes for a level 
playing field for all concerned as far as the "general populace volunteer".

What *does* bother me, is that background checks from agencies far more 
stringent will not be allowed... for example, I have been an Aerospace 
Educator for the Civil Air Patrol for several years. I've worked with 
kids within the prime "target zone" for sexual predators, 8-18. I went 
through a thorough background check prior to being allowed to teach 
these classes or act as chaperone for similar "youth activities". We 
also have the "minimum of two adults present" at all times. These checks 
had to be more stringent because our missions would sometimes require 
'camping out' for up to several days at a time. They are also usually 
conducted over rough terrain and deep woodlands where there is not 
likely to be anyone else around for "help" except those instructors.

I feel that those who have already had that or similar levels of 
background check should not have to resubmit again and again for 
something already done by a higher level agency.

Something to keep in mind, a given individual can go through a 
"background check" and come up entirely clean... and go on to do the 
very thing the background check was supposed to prevent. If children are 
not left isolated and alone, there is little to no opportunity for 
anything to happen. There is also the "friend" factor... kids are 
already taught to "Be Wary of Strangers", what happens when it is 
someone they know and care about? Who may *NOT* be doing anything at all 
related to youth activities?

Predators usually hang out where there are lots of children. They 
generally do not become the responsible party for events and activities 
because they are trying to keep a "low profile". Therefore, these 
background checks are only another layer of bureaucracy for the innocent 
to have to jump through.

I agree that background checks are a good idea for those that do not 
already have one. However, if a person has already had one, especially 
through a more stringent agency, then that should be sufficient.

Taranach