Click Here to Complete Your Background Check

Parents and children trust that Small Hands Big Hearts United is a safe environment, and we at SHBHU do not take that trust lightly. We are committed to maintaining policies and procedures that create a safe environment for children to connect, plan and take action.

Criminal background checks are one of the strategies used to ensure that children are safe with us. SHBHU’s policy is to conduct criminal background checks on all parents and adult mentors.

How do adults get a background check

Begin the Membership Application. After receiving initial member confirmation, you will be guided through a background check process.

How much does a background check cost?

There is a $30 fee required by Verified Volunteers. If you should need assistance in paying any part or the entire fee please contact us at for the access code obtained through our SHBHU Angel Fund. We want SHBHU to be accessible in every way to our community.

How long does a background check take?

You’ll spend a few minutes completing an online form to get your check started. We often hear back from our background check agency within 24 hours.

Are you checking my credit? Will this impact my credit rating?

No. We do not check financial or credit information. We are only doing a criminal background check.

May I provide a previous background check or one from another organization?

Yes. If your previous background check has been performed through the company Verified Volunteers. If not, adult volunteers associated with SHBHU need to go through our process.

Do I need to provide my Social Security Number?

Yes. Respecting our member’s personal information is very important to SHBHU. Our vendor, Verified Volunteers, provides a secure online process for submitting your information. SHBHU does not see or store your Social Security Number and Verified Volunteers only stores the last four digits. We are confident that there is little to no risk to you in our online background check process.

What could exclude me and my child from volunteering with SHBHU?

Small Hands Big Hearts United cannot work with an adult who has been convicted of, has pleaded guilty to, has received adjudication for, or has pleaded no contest to the following crimes:

  • Registered Sex Offender
  • Crimes against children
  • Felony offenses against persons
  • Felony offenses against a family member
  • Crimes defined as public indecency
  • Crimes involving the use of weapons
  • Any violent crime
  • Any felony drug-related offense
  • Any felony conviction within the seven (7) year period preceding the background check