Resources & Blog

Field notes from the screening floor.

Practical, jurisdiction-aware writing on background checks, FCRA compliance, drug screening, MVR/DOT, and the hiring workflows that surround them. Written by the people who run the SafestHires screening program every day.

FCRA Compliance

What Is Adverse Action in Background Checks?

Adverse action is the legally mandated process employers must follow when making a negative employment decision based on a background check — a multi-step, time-sensitive workflow under the FCRA.

March 23, 2026 · 8 min read
Youth Screening

YMCA Volunteer Background Checks: Meeting the 11th Membership Standard

Across the United States, YMCA associations rely on thousands of volunteers serving millions of children annually. Here's how the 11th Membership Standard reshapes screening — and how SafestHires helps associations comply.

March 22, 2026 · 7 min read
Industry Comparison

SafestHires vs. Checkr vs. HireRight: A Balanced Comparison for HR Leaders in 2026

An objective, research-informed comparison of three leading background screening providers — covering compliance, turnaround time, data sources, technology, and support models.

March 22, 2026 · 9 min read
FCRA Compliance

A Step-by-Step Adverse Action Compliance Checklist

Adverse action isn't just a legal requirement — it's a process discipline. Here's the step-by-step checklist HR teams use to keep their workflow defensible from pre-notice through final delivery.

March 21, 2026 · 7 min read
Youth Screening

SafestHires Helps YMCAs Meet the 11th Membership Standard for Background Checks

YMCAs serve millions of children and vulnerable populations. Here's how the 11th Membership Standard, the Safe Sport Act, and SafestHires' screening capabilities come together to protect them.

March 10, 2026 · 8 min read
Youth Screening

Why SafestHires Is the Best Employment Background Checks Partner for YMCAs

YMCA hiring is high-volume, high-sensitivity, and never "one-and-done." Here's how SafestHires combines 1–3 day turnaround, customizable reference checks, and recurring re-screening to keep programs staffed and kids safe.

March 3, 2026 · 6 min read
Background Checks

Future-Proofing Your Hiring Program: How SafestHires Keeps You Ahead of the Screening Curve

Three critical shifts are reshaping screening today — speed plus accuracy, continuous monitoring, and compliance-meets-candidate-experience. Here's how to turn each into a competitive advantage.

November 20, 2025 · 6 min read
Continuous Monitoring

The Rise of Continuous Background Checks: Why SafestHires Is Leading the Shift

A one-time pre-employment screen isn't enough. Forward-thinking HR teams are turning to continuous background checks — real-time monitoring that catches risk the moment it appears.

November 6, 2025 · 5 min read
Background Checks

Choosing the Right Background Check Provider for Your Business

The right provider doesn't just verify information — they protect your reputation, streamline your workflow, and keep you compliant. Seven factors to evaluate before you sign.

November 5, 2025 · 6 min read
Background Checks

What Employers Look for in Background Checks

Hiring the wrong person can cost roughly 30% of an employee's first-year salary. Here's exactly what employers review, what they can't review, and how to prepare.

November 4, 2025 · 7 min read
I-9 Compliance

The Virtual Form I-9 Is a Land of Confusion for Employers

By David Adams of EZ I-9s. The new virtual I-9 process answered prayers — and created seven new problems. Here's a candid walkthrough of the gotchas HR teams keep hitting.

March 26, 2024 · 6 min read
Background Checks

Selecting the Right Background Check

Choosing the right screening package per role boosts compliance, turnaround, and cost efficiency. A walkthrough of every search type and how to assemble them by position.

December 7, 2022 · 9 min read
Operational Guidance

SSN No Match: What "SSN Not Issued" Really Means

An "SSN Not Issued" result doesn't mean the SSN is invalid. Here's what the SSN Address Trace actually checks, what triggers a No Match, and how to resolve it.

December 5, 2022 · 4 min read
Healthcare

Every Healthcare Screening Program Must Include a FACIS Search

Healthcare providers face strict state and federal compliance mandates. The single most overlooked element of a strong screening program: the FACIS sanctions search.

May 5, 2017 · 6 min read
General

International Criminal Searches

Unlike the U.S., obtaining actual criminal records overseas is often impossible. Here's how international criminal searches really work — and what employers should expect.

July 16, 2016 · 7 min read