When students feel safe, they are free to express themselves and be their most creative.

We want to ensure that all participants are able to thrive, learn, and have fun in a safe, caring and creative interference free environment.

We have ZERO tolerance for inappropriate behavior of any kind. California Destination Imagination continually updates and innovates robust safety policies, programs, and training for staff and volunteers to protect young people from threats that are present in our society.

All CalDI Board Members, Affiliate and Regional operational staff, Team Managers, and Appraisers are required to order a background check from Sterling Volunteers and to share the results with CalDI.

CalDI recognizes only Sterling Volunteers criminal history background checks.

This must be performed annually with the individual paying for each check.

After purchasing a team, you will be sent an email to register at MyCalDI. From there, click on the background check box and follow the instructions. There will be a unique link to Sterling Volunteers for CalDI.

  • As part of our youth protection plan the California Destination Imagination (CALDI), the Board of Directors has decided to require all Staff, Team Mangers, and Appraisers registered with CalDI to obtain a background check from Sterling Volunteers.  This background check must be renewed annually.

    Noncompliance will result in removal of a person from their position or denial of any position in CalDI.

    Policy Statement:

    All CalDI Board Members, Affiliate and Regional operational staff, Team Managers, and Appraisers are required to order a background check from Sterling Volunteers and to share the results with CalDI. CalDI recognizes only Sterling Volunteers criminal history background checks. This must be performed annually with the individual paying for each check.

    Any person who does not pass their background check will be notified and can contact Sterling Volunteers for an explanation and further possible actions. Otherwise, persons not passing the check will be considered not eligible resulting in immediate denial of the right to hold any position in CalDI.

  • Our plan to protect every student participating in the CALDI program starts with our Volunteer – Student Interaction Guidelines. This policy is for the safety of students and volunteers at all CalDI events and activities in which volunteers and students are present together.

    CalDI recognizes the sensitive nature of interactions between volunteers and students and ensures student safety is free from real or perceived inappropriate behavior. Interactions between volunteers and students will be in settings that are observable and interruptible and occurs in a place and manner that is known by another adult volunteer.

    Complete Policy Statement

  • Destination Imagination, Inc. provides educational experiences where team members can thrive, learn, and have fun in a safe and caring environment.

    We have systems to inform everyone involved in our educational experiences about our Youth Protection Policies and Procedures and provide assistance to help our volunteers and Affiliates in meeting our standards.

    The purpose of the Destination Imagination Youth Protection Policies and Procedures (DI-YPPP) is to provide all Destination Imagination participants (to include Team Managers, Appraisers, Challenge Masters, Affiliate Directors, Regional Directors, employees, others working with Destination Imagination, team members, parents and guardians of team members) with knowledge, policies, procedures, and guidelines to create safe experiences for everyone participating in Destination Imagination Educational Experiences.

    Complete Policy Statement

Background Check FAQs

  • A Level 2 background check from Sterling Volunteers will cost $17.00. The person obtaining the background check pays for their check.

  • Detailed background check information will be housed at Sterling Volunteers.  Only the California Destination Imagination Affiliate Directors will have access to this information. 

  • The is part of our commitment to provide a safe comfortable environment for the youth in the program.  Background checks are only one part of our ongoing youth protections efforts. Education materials and additional policies along with training in youth protection are in development.

  • No, California Destination Imagination only accepts background checks at the appropriate level from Sterling Volunteers.

  • You will not be allowed to be a volunteer associated with or hold any role in California Destination Imagination that requires a background check. Your Region Director will be notified of you ineligibility.