Live Scan Background Checks FAQ
As you may have heard, a new law was passed in California regarding background checks for volunteers. This new California legislation, AB506, will impact Joni and Friends volunteers serving at California events. Below are some frequently asked questions. If you have additional questions, please email [email protected].
California legislation AB506 requires that volunteers serving with children must complete a Live Scan background check. Beginning in 2024, all Joni and Friends volunteers serving in California must complete a Live Scan background check to serve at Retreats & Getaways.
Live Scan is a digital fingerprint submission transmitted electronically to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) that must be completed in person by going to a Live Scan location.
If you are a California resident serving in California please follow these step-by-step instructions.
If you are a Non-California resident serving in California please follow these step-by-step instructions.
Following the above step-by-step instructions allows you to complete a Live Scan at no cost to you and instead bills Joni and Friends. However, if you choose to get a Live Scan at a non-Certifix location, you will be responsible for the cost. Learn more here.
Typically, it will take approximately 7 days to get results, so you are encouraged to complete a Live Scan as soon as possible.
Yes, any volunteer serving at an event in California must complete the Live Scan background check. Learn more.
If you are a Non-California resident serving in California please follow these step-by-step instructions.
If you are applying to serve in California but coming from another state, you will need to complete a Live Scan background check in California. Follow these step-by-step instructions. The DOJ estimates that it can take up to 12 weeks to get results for an out-of-state Live Scan, so you are encouraged to complete it as soon as possible.
The DOJ has stated that a Live Scan cannot be transferred from another organization in or out of state so you will need to complete one specifically to serve with Joni and Friends.
Once you have completed a Live Scan for Joni and Friends, you will not need to complete another one for us again.
No, the law only states that volunteers need to complete it. Family applicants will continue to utilize the current Protect My Ministry system.
You can reach out to Joni and Friends for support at [email protected] with questions.
No, Live Scan background checks are only required for volunteers who are 18 or older.
