Screening those who work with children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities is an important component in the prevention of abuse. Such practices, from basic screening methods (written applications, interviews, and reference checks) to other, more extensive or specialized practices (checks of criminal records, abuse registries, or sex offender registries), send a clear message that society values children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities and will not tolerate their abuse.

These guidelines highlight the importance of screening practices and, through the decisionmaking model, provide a useful tool that States, organizations, and others can use when developing their own screening policies and practices. Because screening is not a guarantee that abuse will not occur, it is critical for all concerned to incorporate screening as a part of broader abuse prevention policies and practices (see Appendix E, Posthiring Practices).

OJJDP Summary: Guidelines for the Screening of Persons Working with Children, the Elderly, and Individuals with Disabilities in Need of Support, April 1998