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Background Clearances Required for Camp Staff

Background Clearances Required for Camp Staff

Applicant/Licensee Designee/Camp Director/Assistant Camp Director

An applicant, licensee designee, camp director, or assistant camp director is required to complete:

  • a Criminal History Check (livescan fingerprint), and
  • and Licensing Record Clearance to be affiliated to a children’s camp or campsite license.

This process requires completion and submission of the “Licensing Record Clearance Request” (BCAL 1326-camp) and “Livescan Fingerprint Request” (RI-030) forms. Instructions about the process for the Criminal History Check and Licensing Record Clearance can be found below in the resources section titled “Instructions for Camp Administrator Comprehensive Background Clearance”. To request the forms, email mileap-camps@michigan.gov.

Camp Staff and Volunteers

Background clearances are required to work or volunteer at a camp with children. Camp organizations are required by statute to complete a criminal history background clearance before conditional offer of employment (MCL 722.115d). In addition, individuals 21 years or older must have a central registry abuse/neglect clearance (MCL 722.119) before contact with campers. The camp is required to have documentation maintained in the personnel record of the completed clearances from the locale of residence. (R.400.11109)

The instructions below provide important information and links to be used for compliance with the statute and administrative rules. Staff and volunteers, without regard to compensation, are held to the same background and central registry clearance standard.

  • Central Registry (Abuse/Neglect) Clearance

    Organizations must have on file a Central Registry clearance for all person’s 21 years of age or older from the locale of the staff person or volunteers’ permanent residence.

    For Michigan Residents

    Michigan residents are directed to the online camp central registry clearance portal located at www.michigan.gov/ccbc-camps to obtain their central registry clearance. The Child Care Background Check (CCBC) unit processes requests for central registry for camp staff and unsupervised volunteers. A help guide is available below in the resources section titled “Camps Central Registry Check Instructions”.

    If assistance is needed, applicants can submit a support request online at https://miltcpartnership.org/childcareportal/home/helpdesk or call the CCBC Help Desk at 844-765-2247.

    For Nonpermanent Residents

    Use the HOW TO OBTAIN CLEARANCES FOR EMPLOYEES AND VOLUNTEERS WHO’S PERMANENT RESIDENCY IS NOT MICHIGAN resource to access instructions.  This document can be found below in the resources section.

    Submit forms to the applicable locale of residence requesting Central Registry clearance record. Retain copies for camp records.

    A person who has been named in a central registry clearance as the perpetrator of child abuse or child neglect cannot be a staff member or volunteer at a camp.

    The organization must maintain the staff member or volunteer background and central registry clearance documentation within the staff member or volunteers’ personnel file.

  • Criminal History Background Clearance

    A background clearance is a record review of criminal convictions or court action for a specific individual affiliated with a camp.  The process for obtaining the background clearance is listed below.

    For Michigan Residents

    The organization must ensure the completion of a Michigan State Police (MSP) Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) search.  MSP ICHAT is located here: Home Page - ICHAT Menu (michigan.gov).

    The organization must review everyone’s ICHAT and determine suitability to work/volunteer at camp. The organization must consider disqualifying crimes listed within the Exclusionary Convictions and Conditions for Children’s Camp and Campsite document found below in the resources section. If the individual has criminal convictions (non-exclusionary conviction), the licensee or designee must complete a written evaluation of the convictions that addresses the nature of the conviction, the length of time since conviction, and the relationship of the conviction to the regulated activity to determine whether the prospective employee complies with R400.11109(6).  The written evaluation must be placed in the personnel file.  An individual with disqualifying convictions may not be associated with the operation.

    For Nonpermanent Residents

    Use the HOW TO OBTAIN CLEARANCES FOR EMPLOYEES AND VOLUNTEERS WHO’S PERMANENT RESIDENCY IS NOT MICHIGAN resource to access instructions.  This document can be found below in the resources section.

    The organization must complete a background clearance for the person from their permanent residence locale.  Each locale has a process for obtaining a background clearance or the organization may utilize a business entity accessing law enforcement and court records from the locale where the person permanently resides.

  • Resources