Professional Background Screening Association: Consumer Benefits
As employers, landlords and volunteer groups seek to make informed decisions related to hiring and ensuring safety in our workplaces and communities there continues to be a focus on background screening. Workplace violence, fraud, embezzlement, and theft are a multi-billion dollar drain on our economy— a cost that can easily be mitigated. Background screening is an effective tool to prevent this drain, in addition to providing a variety of different uses that benefit public well-being. The terms “background screening” or “background check” can mean different things when used in different contexts, however, and it is important to understand the distinctions.
Employers routinely request background checks for potential new hires, contractors, and existing employees, particularly for positions where employees may work with vulnerable populations or have access to consumers’ financial information. Tenant screening is a process used primarily by residential landlords and property managers to evaluate prospective tenants. Volunteer screening is also performed by CRAs to screen the backgrounds of individuals who volunteer with groups and organizations that typically involve vulnerable groups, such as children and the elderly.
With our common goal of safe communities in which we live, work and play, screening companies and the PBSA will continue to work together to advance excellence in the screening profession. Promoting an awareness of the importance of screening to organizations, government entities, legislators, and consumers will always be one of our primary goals.
The PBSA has many great resources and a plethora of information to offer consumers…Sue Davis
“A background check” when conducted by a third party known as a Consumer Reporting Agency is regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) as well as state and local laws.