Why Background Checks Matter

Every American Legion Post serves with pride. We sponsor youth programs, mentor young leaders, assist vulnerable veterans, and host community events. With that service comes responsibility. One of the clearest ways we can demonstrate that responsibility is through background checks.

Background checks are not about mistrust. They are about due diligence and stewardship. When parents allow their children to participate in a Legion program, or when families of vulnerable adults rely on us for support, they place their trust and confidence in our leadership. Protecting that trust is part of our duty.

In Washington State, background checks are addressed in WAC 388-101D-0075, which requires criminal history screening for individuals who have unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults. The rule outlines disqualifying offenses and sets expectations for screening. Under state guidance, these checks are generally required every two years in applicable settings. That establishes a legal minimum.

However, the American Legion’s own Risk Management guidance sets a higher internal standard. National risk management best practices recommend annual background checks for volunteers and leaders working in youth-facing or vulnerable-population programs. This is not because state law demands it, but because sound governance demands it.

There is an important distinction here. State law establishes the minimum standard required to remain compliant. Risk management establishes the organizational standard deemed necessary to protect people and reduce liability. Good leadership does not simply ask, “What is the least we can get away with doing?” It asks, “What is reasonable and prudent to safeguard those we serve?”

Annual checks provide several advantages. They reduce the window of exposure if circumstances change. They demonstrate diligence if questions arise. They support insurance expectations. And they reinforce a culture of accountability within the Post. In today’s environment, where organizations are closely scrutinized, demonstrating that screening is conducted annually reflects a serious commitment to safety.

The American Legion’s Risk Management resources consistently emphasize that responsibility rests with the level at which the activity occurs. If a Post sponsors a youth event, the Post owns the risk. If a District or Department runs a program, that level owns the obligation. Background checks are one practical way to show that leadership understands this ownership.

For Department-level programs such as Oratorical, Baseball, and Boys & Girls State, we utilize a provider called “PYS” or Protect Youth Sports. Each volunteer who works one of these programs must undergo an annual background check, watch a video on child protection practices, and pass a test. Yes, these background checks do come with a cost; but it’s a small price to pay to ensure we can better protect vulnerable populations.

Courts and insurers do not measure good intentions. They measure reasonable precautions. If an incident were ever to occur, being able to document that volunteers were screened annually demonstrates that the Post acted responsibly and proactively.

Protecting the Post is not about adding bureaucracy. It is about strengthening the foundation of trust that allows our programs to continue. Washington State may suggest screening less frequently in certain contexts. The American Legion’s risk management guidance encourages us to do better. Choosing the higher standard reflects who we are: an organization committed to protecting veterans, families, and youth with integrity.
When we commit to annual background checks in youth and vulnerable-population programs, we are not just checking a box. We are safeguarding our mission, our members, and the community that trusts us.

Sources

• Washington Administrative Code, WAC 388-101D-0075
  • https://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=388-101D-0075
• The American Legion Risk Management Resources
  • https://www.legion.org/riskmanagement
• The American Legion Officer’s Guide
  • https://www.legion.org/publications
• Protect Youth Sports
  • https://www.protectyouthsports.com
• Washington State Patrol Background Checks
  • https://wsp.wa.gov/crime/criminal-history/