Updates to Background Check Company and Procedures
Background Checks for Working with Youth
SIA is committed to ensuring the safety, well-being, and dignity of youth participants. To support this commitment, SIA requires that all adults working with youth in the United States and Canada obtain a background check in accordance with applicable local, state, and national requirements.
For clubs outside the United States and Canada, laws and regulations related to working with youth vary by country. Clubs are responsible for reviewing applicable national and local requirements to determine the appropriate background checks or other clearances needed for volunteers working with girls.
Please refer to SIA’s Standards for Working with Youth to ensure full youth compliance.
Updates to the Recommended Background Check Company
As of January 1, 2026, SIA is partnering with Global Investigative Services, Inc. (GIS) as the new recommended background screening provider for members seeking background checks in the United States.
While the partnership is new, the platform and workflow will feel very familiar. The overall experience remains streamlined and easy to use, allowing individuals to initiate, track, and manage background checks through a similar user-friendly system.
About Global Investigative Services, Inc. (GIS)
GIS is a trusted and accredited background screening provider with a commitment to compliance and accuracy. Their solutions are built to support evolving regulatory requirements while delivering timely, reliable results. GIS is committed to working closely with Soroptimist and its members.
If you have any questions regarding a background check requested with HireImage before the transition, please contact stacy@hireimage.com or program@soroptimist.org
Background Checks Through GIS (United States)
SIA clubs have two options for working with GIS:
Option 1: Individual Requests Through the SIA Portal
Individuals may request the recommended standard background check by visiting the SIA background check portal.
Each standard background check includes:
· National Criminal Database Alias Search
· National Sex Offender Registry Search
Visit the Background Check Frequently Asked Questions for more information about what these searches entail.
Click here for step-by-step instructions for requesting a background check through GIS.
Once the background check is completed:
· The individual who initiated the request will receive an email with a secure link to access the report.
· SIA headquarters will also receive a copy of the completed report.
Option 2: Direct Club Partnership with GIS
Clubs may choose to establish a direct partnership with GIS.
This option:
· Includes setting up a club account (at no cost)
· Provides access to SIA-negotiated discounted packages
· Offers additional screening options to meet local or state requirements
· Allows clubs to submit requests directly and automatically receive copies of reports
Click here for more information or email customersvc@gispi.com.
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To strengthen youth protection, the recommended standard background check now includes both a National Criminal Database Alias Search and a National Sex Offender Registry Search.
Because of this expanded screening, the cost has increased slightly. This update supports stronger safeguards and aligns SIA with best practices for safety and compliance.
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GIS offers background check packages for individuals and clubs outside of the United States. Pricing and requirements vary by country.
Clubs may find it more cost-effective to use local providers; however, GIS options are available.
For more information, please contact customersvc@gispi.com.
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Be sure to review SIA’s Standards for Working with Youth to confirm that all requirements are met before your program begins and make sure you have it all covered!
Questions? Email program@soroptimist.org.
Updates to Background Check Policy
With the expanded search comes an updated SIA Background Check Policy. Clubs are encouraged to review the policy carefully.
SIA requires that all adults working with youth obtain a background check. The expanded screening with the new recommended standard background check through GIS provides the increased potential of “not cleared” or flagged background checks. Therefore, this new policy outlines the expectation that clubs establish their own background check policy and adjudication process in order to appropriately handle these situations. A “not cleared” or flagged background check indicates that further review is needed and does not automatically disqualify the individual. An adjudication process is the method for reviewing the background check to determine eligibility and guide the decision of what is disqualifying and what is acceptable.
SIA recommends that clubs refer to applicable local school district or youth-serving organization guidelines when establishing their policy and adjudication practices to ensure alignment with local laws, regulations, and standards.
Click here to review the new SIA’s Background Check Policy and the updated Background Check Frequently Asked Questions for a more in-depth explanation of the adjudication process. You can also reach out to GIS at customersvc@gispi.com with questions as you create your club’s policy.
Understanding Background Check Results
Background checks requested through GIS will return one of two results:
· Cleared
· Potential Record Identified
If a potential record is identified in the initial search, GIS will conduct additional research to determine whether the record belongs to the applicant and whether it is reportable.
In these cases:
· GIS will contact the individual directly
· The individual may be required to complete an enhanced background check for an additional fee
Clubs and members are responsible for ensuring a thorough background check.
Following additional research, a report may be flagged or considered “not cleared” if it contains a felony or misdemeanor.
Final eligibility for participation in youth programs is determined through the club’s adjudication process, in accordance with SIA policy.
For more details, please review:
· SIA’s new Background Check Policy
· SIA’s updated Background Check Frequently Asked Questions
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