Making sure that your congregation has good practices in place in regard to hiring is one of the most important things a board can do in a congregation. Even people who are not specifically hired to work with children and youth, still interface with them. Your safe congregation policy should include specific plans to conduct criminal background checks on all employees, regardless of their role. You can find out more about conducting background checks and get some recommendations for companies to use by visiting the UUA web site page on Responsible Staffing.