VISTA requires a criminal history check on all VISTA members to support the safety of service participants, sponsors and local communities—particularly the vulnerable populations of children, individuals with disabilities, and adults over 60 years old.

All VISTA candidates must:

• Undergo a search in the National Sex Offender's Registry (NSOR).
• Be fingerprinted during the Pre-Service Orientation in order to complete a national FBI criminal history check (anticipated to begin January 2008). This report will be reviewed by CNCS headquarters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CNCS looking for in checking criminal backgrounds?

• CNCS is investigating for past sexual offenses and violent crimes.
• A minor offense, unless it would impact the member's assignment, will not bar the member from service.

What happens if a member's background check is not completed by the time s/he begins service?

• If the background check is not complete prior to the first day of service, members will still be sworn into service but may have no contact with a vulnerable population (children, persons over 60, persons with disabilities) without supervision until the check is complete and they are cleared.

For the official word from the VISTA handbook, click here.

Go back to Screen and Place New Members