Who needs to complete a Criminal Background Check?

• All registered volunteers working directly with girls, such as leaders, adults who help at meetings or activities, and drivers who transport girls as part of a Girl Scout activity.

• All registered volunteers working with Girl Scout funds, such as Cookie and Fall Product Sale Managers, and Treasurers.

• All registered volunteers working with member contact information, such as troop emergency contacts.

Do adults who are attending any overnight activity need to complete a Criminal Background Check and be a registered member?

Yes, all adults who are attending an overnight event, such as an encampment or an extended trip, must complete a Criminal Background Check and be a registered member.

Do adults who are attending an activity during the day need to complete a Criminal Background Check and be a registered member?

• Adults who are helping with Troop/Service Unit activities, directly interacting with girls or who are needed to meet required adult‐to‐girl ratios, must be registered members who have a current Criminal Background Check.

• Adults attending a family event, such as Daisy Day or a family bridging ceremony, do not need a Criminal Background Check. The adult would not need to be registered since they could be covered by Plan 2 Insurance.

• Professionals/visitors attending a meeting to share their expertise do not need a criminal background check or need to register

How often does the Criminal Background Check need to be completed?

A Criminal Background Check must be completed every four years. At membership renewal the system will prompt a member to complete a new Criminal Background Check if the screening will expire during the upcoming Girl Scout year.

There is NO link to complete a Criminal Background Check on the GSNNJ website, so please follow the steps below:

BACKGROUND CHECK FOR NEW MEMBERS:

The Criminal Background Check screening is completed by following the steps below:

1. Log on to www.gsnnj.org >“Volunteer Today”

2. Click on “I want to join as volunteer”

3. Become a registered member.

4. Select a role as a Leader/Advisor or a Troop Committee Member.

5. Within 15 minutes of adding/selecting a role, an email invitation from the TheAdvocates@VerifiedVolunteers will be automatically sent. This contains the link to complete the Criminal Background Check (check your spam/junk folder).

6. Volunteers create a username and password to submit their background screening information.

7. Volunteers can view and print a copy of their report through Verified Volunteers when completed. Please note it usually takes 24‐72 hours for the background screening report to be received so allow sufficient time for processing.

BACKGROUND CHECK FOR RE-REGISTERING MEMBERS:

Follow the steps below:

1. Log in to your MY GS account.

2. Select “Add role".

3. The next screen will be the Volunteer Opportunity Catalog.

4. Enter the five‐digit Troop Number #####

5. The available volunteer roles will appear.

6. Select the desired role by clicking the gray checkbox next to the role and click Next.

7. Your account will read In Progress and within 15 minutes of adding the role, an email invitation from TheAdvocates@VerifiedVolunteers will be sent to your email on file in the system. This contains the link to complete the background check.

8. Check your spam/junk folder if you do not see it.

9. When the Background Check becomes Eligible, the In Progress status will update to Active on your account.

Questions or concerns, please reach out to Angela Barra (973) 248-8200 or email her at abarra@gsnnj.org