January 16, 2026
Overview of the Criminal Background Check Process
Kansas 4-H requires criminal background checks for all adult volunteers to help ensure a safe environment for youth. This overview outlines the process for new volunteers, re-screening, and where to direct questions.
New Volunteers
Extension units provide new volunteers with a link to the background check process. This link can be found in the Kansas 4-H Youth Development Team under the Volunteers Channel. There is a folder in the files of this volunteer's channel named background check resources.
- Volunteers must select the correct county where they will be volunteering.
- The selected county determines which county list the volunteer is placed on.
- Once the background check is submitted and completed:
- Counties receive a monthly update list showing completed background checks.
Re-Screening Volunteers
Volunteers are recommended to be re-screened every three (3) years.
- Volunteers do not need to submit anything for a re-screen.
- Extension units are responsible for:
- Reviewing their county volunteer list
- Identifying volunteers who are due for re-screening
(The state office provides the date of the last background check on the county list.) - The state office does not track re-screening timelines.
- The state office will not submit a re-screen without written permission from the extension unit.
To request a re-screen:
- The extension unit sends an email to the Kansas 4-H email (kansas4h@ksu.edu) requesting the re-screen.
- The state office will respond once the re-screen has been submitted.
Volunteer Records
- Volunteer profiles remain in the Criminal Background Check system for five (5) years.
If you have any questions regarding the process of Criminal Background Checks, your county's list, the status of a background check, and/or invoices for background checks, please reach out to Kansas4h@ksu.edu.
4-H Online questions can be directed to McKenzie Zimmerman.
All other questions can be directed to your regional specialist.