Should we screen potential facilitators of the program?

Do we need to conduct criminal background checks on Our Whole Lives facilitators?

Yes. In addition to selecting potential facilitators that you and your congregation know and feel comfortable with, we strongly recommend conducting background checks on facilitators of Our Whole Lives (and all adults who work with your congregation’s children and youth). A background check would determine whether they have been charged or convicted of sex- or abuse-related offenses. The Safe Congregation Handbook, published by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) and available online, is a good resource to help your congregation establish a congregation-wide safety policy. See also the UUA’s Responsible Staffing guide, which recommends background check procedures and organizations.