Expect Screening Delays
IECA Executive Director Jennifer Vit and I receive a report of screening delays every morning and are noticing an uptick in delays over the last month or so. Delays are typically a function of county courts that are backlogged. I have especially noticed that Iowa courts are the cause of the delays more now than in the past when most delays were due to out-of-state courts. While I do not know the exact cause of these delays, I would guess that many Iowa courts are experiencing staffing issues, as are many other sectors of the labor market.
Please note that a delay in the screening is not an indication of a potential red flag.
Typical delays are running about a week behind our normal processing lengths. If I notice that a screen is estimated to take longer than a week to complete, I will drop you an email alerting you to this. You can also check the status of a report when looking up the order. You will find the estimated completion date under the individual's name and government ID.
Response:
- Plan ahead. Recruit volunteers well in advance of your events.
- Do not utilize potential volunteers until you receive a complete report.
- Do not sign an employment contract with a potential employee until receiving a complete report.
- If the delay is on a rescreening, it is ok for the volunteer/employee to continue to serve in their usual capacity until the report is completed.
There is nothing that First Advantage, IECA, or you can do to speed up the background screening process when there is a court delay. Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Julie Baumler
IECA Program Assistant
|
|
|
|
|
