A safe space is where all Girl Scouts feel that they can be themselves, without explanation or judgment. As a volunteer, the environment you create is just as important as the activities they do—it’s the key to developing the sort of group that they want to be part of! Cultivate a space where confidentiality is respected, and they can express their true selves.
Recognize and Support Each Individual 
Promote Fairness
Build Trust
Inspire Open Communication
Managing Conflict
Communicating Effectively with Girl Scouts of Any Age
Addressing the Needs of Older Girl Scouts
When Sensitive Topics Come Up
Report Concerns
Background Checks
Parents, guardians, and girls trust that Girl Scouts is a safe place for them, and Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast (GSCCC) takes that trust seriously. We are committed to maintaining policies and procedures that create a safe environment for girls to discover, connect, and take action.
Criminal background checks are one of the strategies used to ensure that girls are safe with us. GSCCC’s policy is to conduct a criminal background check on all new volunteers.
All adults who wish to serve as Girl Scout volunteers must be registered members and are required to complete and pass a background check. This includes any adult supporting the troop in any volunteer capacity, including, but not limited to adults who wish to volunteer as chaperones on field trips or work cookie booths. Live Scan background checks only need to be completed one time and it lasts the entire time you are a current girl scout. Adults who do not complete and pass a live scan background check are not permitted to participate in any Girl Scout (GS) sponsored activity in which they are directly in contact with the girls. An exception to this is when the activity is intended for family participation (e.g., award ceremony, family/troop outing etc.).
Any adult who has been convicted of, has received adjudication for, or has plead guilty to the crimes listed in the "What could exclude me from volunteering with Girl Scouts?" section below cannot participate in any Girl Scout activity, including GS family activities. The decision to disqualify or limit an individual’s participation as a volunteer is solely at the discretion of Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast. Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast will strictly maintain the confidentiality of all background information obtained, including reasons why a volunteer applicant may have been disqualified.
How do volunteers get a live scan/background check?
Why do I have to get a live scan instead of the previous basic
background check?
How much does a background check cost?
How long does a background check take?
Are you checking my credit? Will this impact my credit rating?
May I provide a previous background check or one from another organization/school?
Do I need to provide my Social Security Number?
What could exclude me from volunteering with Girl Scouts?
If I completed a Live Scan, do I need to complete the basic background check?
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