Meals on Wheels South Texas requires background checks on all volunteers that will have direct unsupervised contact with clients to ensure the safety of the seniors we serve, those with whom we partner, and Meals on Wheels staff.
Each volunteer is subject to four separate background checks: a criminal background check, the National Sex Offenders registry, the Medicare Fraud check, and the Department of Aging and Disability Services Employability Status Check Search. Additionally, a driving record check is conducted for volunteers that will be driving on the agency’s behalf.
Each background check yields a different result. An applicant MUST pass all four background checks before moving onto the next step to become a Meals on Wheels volunteer. If an applicant passes all four background checks, they will move along in the process. If an applicant does not pass one or more of the checks, they will be notified by Meals on Wheels staff.
Criminal records do not automatically disqualify candidates from volunteering*, however certain convictions are generally disqualifying offenses:
- Any charges that include violent crimes towards any human or animal which include but are not limited to: assault, domestic violence, rape, cruelty, etc.
- Weapon offenses
- Any theft charges, including but not limited to monetary, identity theft, Senior/Elder abuse or fraud
Certain volunteer options may be unavailable if any of the following charges are present:
- Driving while intoxicated and/or driving under the influence
- Drug possession w/intent to distribute or other felony drug related charges
- Driving tickets or accidents that resulted in the destruction of state or personal property (I.e. hitting a rail, or a building)
Some criminal records may appear that may NOT disqualify a volunteer applicant include:
- Non-felony simple Drug Possession charges
- Driving tickets not resulting from DUI or DWI
- Accidents involving another motor vehicle
- Any charges or sentences that have been dropped, dismissed, or reversed
In some cases, additional information may be required from the applicant. If the applicant refuses to provide any additional information, their application will be rejected.
