This article presents the findings of a study, conducted by the American Bar Association Center on Children and the Law under contract with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, regarding the use and effectiveness of a variety of screening mechanisms. It also offers a screening model which, while not prescribing a designated screening practice overall or for any particular organization, outlines the steps and considerations organizations should consider in adopting a system for screening employees. The findings and recommendations are applicable to Federal and State legislators and officials as well as administrators of national and local organizations serving children and youth. The National Survey conducted as part of this study collected data from child and youth-serving agencies on the screening mechanisms they use, including costs, timeliness of information, quality and perceived effectiveness. Respondents also were asked their opinions on the need for specific national child and youth worker screening policies and whether they had identified any applicants they considered unsuitable to work with or around children, and whether they experienced any valid cases of abuse involving a staff person. Criteria for a decisionmaking model that would assist employers and organizations in designing their own screening policies are provided. Recommendations for a national policy are made. Suggestions for the direction of future inquiry are noted.