Background Checks

LCS is able to provide access to cost effective, national background search process that can be used when hiring or enlisting volunteers for children and youth ministries. The background checks are made against a national criminal and sex offender database.  The process is totally web based and in most cases provides instantaneous results. In some cases, it needs to be paired with the Pennsylvania State Police and ChildLine background check process.

LCS National Background Check Program Questions & Answers

What is the program?

Through LCS’s relationship with its insurance provider, the Alliance of Nonprofits for Insurance, it is able to offer a streamlined national background search process that meets the requirements of insurance companies.  While you may want to check with your congregation’s insurance provider, Intellicorp is a nationally recognized provider of background and clearance checks.

The program is intended to give congregations a streamlined, cost effective and secure process by which they can do the appropriate background checks on all staff hires and on volunteers that work with children and youth.  More and more insurance companies are requiring such background checks as a requirement for providing insurance coverage or as a means to reduce the cost of insurance.

How does it differ from what many congregations are presently doing?

Most congregations are doing only state background checks using forms supplied by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse Hotline.  They provide a check on an individual only within the state of Pennsylvania.  If the person has a record out of state, it would not show up.  In addition, there is a delay of up to several weeks in finding out the results and the process is cumbersome.  The whole process costs $20 for both screenings.

The program LCS is making available runs a person’s data against a national database for criminal behavior, sex abuse and terrorism.  It is virtually instantaneous because it is web based.  It is easy to use, and it costs less than the state searches.

Can the congregation use the program for its state licensed daycare or preschool?

Yes, but it must be used as an add-on.  The state licensing regulations for daycare centers and preschools require the use of the PA State Police and the PA Department of Welfare forms.  Remember, however, that they are deficient when it comes to fully safeguarding the children that are in the care of your programs because they make background checks against a state database only.  If your preschool program is not state licensed (most are not), then this program can be used as a stand alone process.

What is the cost of LCS’s program?

The fees are based upon the level of support that your congregation provides to LCS on a yearly basis.  Your congregation’s support level is based on its average weekly worship attendance.  This approach is fair to both large and small congregations, as it does not depend upon a congregation’s total gift but its gift in relation to its active attendance at worship.  See the chart provided.

Categories                     Giving/ Worshipper

Bronze                                  $ .01 -  4.99

Silver                                   $5.00 - 14.99

Gold                                    $15.00-24.99

Platinum                             $25.00 +

There is a one-time initial charge of $15 to establish a user account.  This charge will show up as a credit on a silver, gold or platinum level congregation’s first bill.  In addition, for silver, gold and platinum level congregations the cost per search will be $14, for all other congregations it will be $18.  There are no other monthly or annual charges.

A congregation’s financial support level of LCS is based upon its level of support in the most recently completed calendar year.

How can a congregation enroll in LCS’s program?

To enroll for the service, provide the requested information on the enclosed postcard and return it to LCS whenever the congregation decides to use the service.  While there is no deadline for registration, there are a limited number of user accounts available.  All checks should be made payable to Lutheran Congregational Services, Inc. and sent to 1923 Hanover Ave., Allentown, PA  18109.

When the congregation enrolls in the program, a user account will be established and information on how to use the service will be sent to the person that is identified as the contact person.  LCS will continue to offer support and will do the billing on a monthly basis according to the congregation’s use of the service.  All questions/concerns should be directed to Kathy Reyher at kathy@lutherancongregationalservices.org or 610-770-9205.

Can the congregation leave the program at any time?

Yes, LCS simply requests that it be notified when and if the congregation withdraws from using the service.  The congregation will be responsible for the payment of any unbilled searches.  Otherwise, there is no fee or penalty for such withdrawal.