Background Check Authorization & Disclosure

Effective Date: October 24, 2025

Village Haven LLC, wholly owned by Heart Space Sanctuary, a faith-based 508(c)(1)(a) ministry.

Village Haven is founded on the belief that trust is the foundation of any community, and that safety is not merely a policy, but a practice of care. As part of our commitment to creating a secure and supportive environment for all Users, we require certain identity verification and background screening measures. These checks are conducted with respect, dignity, and full transparency.

This Disclosure explains your rights and the manner in which background information may be collected, reviewed, and used. This Authorization grants Village Haven the permission required to initiate those screenings. Please read each section carefully.

1. Disclosure of Background Screening

Village Haven may obtain consumer reports and/or investigative consumer reports (collectively, “Background Reports”) concerning your identity, character, public records, and prior interactions with criminal or civil systems. These reports may include:

• Criminal history records (federal, state, and local, where legally permitted);
• Sex offender registry checks;
• Identity verification and address history;
• Public record information concerning judgments, liens, or relevant civil matters;
• Information obtained through publicly available databases.

The purpose of these Background Reports is not punitive. Their intent is to safeguard the community, protect vulnerable users (including children and single parents), and uphold the integrity of this Platform. This Disclosure is provided in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq., as well as applicable California, federal, and international privacy laws. No other purpose will be assigned to these Reports.

2. Permissible Use

Village Haven may use the Background Report solely to:

• Determine eligibility for participation on the Platform;
• Assess suitability to provide or receive services;
• Evaluate risks that may impact community safety;
• Reassess continued participation, if warranted.

Village Haven will never use Background Reports to unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, disability, age, familial status, or any other protected characteristic.

3. Voluntary Nature of Participation

You are not required to join Village Haven or authorize a Background Report. However, participation on the Platform—including listing services, receiving services, or interacting with other Users—requires this authorization. Declining to consent will render the creation or continuation of a User account impossible. Your choice to participate is entirely voluntary.

4. Authorization to Obtain Background Reports

By agreeing to this Policy and signing (digitally or physically), you hereby authorize Village Haven and its designated third-party screening providers to obtain Background Reports on an ongoing basis for the duration of your participation on the Platform. This authorization is continuous. You may revoke it in writing, but doing so will result in immediate suspension or termination of your User account.

You further authorize:

• The release of information from any law enforcement agency, court, registry, institution, or source that maintains relevant records;
• Third-party consumer reporting agencies to supply Village Haven with Background Reports;
• Village Haven to share the results internally on a need-to-know basis solely for safety and compliance purposes.

5. Investigative Consumer Reports

In some cases, Village Haven may obtain investigative consumer reports, which involve personal interviews with individuals who know you, such as neighbors or associates. If such a report is sought, you will receive separate, advance written notice as required by law.

You have the right to request:

• The nature and scope of any investigative report;
• A copy of your report and its contents within the timelines established under the FCRA.

Requests may be made by contacting: hello@villagehaven.org

6. Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act

You are entitled to a number of protections under the FCRA, including:

• The right to know if information in your file has been used against you;
• The right to request copies of your Background Report;
• The right to dispute incomplete or inaccurate information;
• The right to receive a summary of your rights from the consumer reporting agency.

If Village Haven considers adverse action based in whole or in part on a Background Report (such as denial or revocation of Platform participation), you will receive:

• A pre-adverse action notice,
• A copy of the background report, and
• A summary of your rights under the FCRA,
• An opportunity to dispute or correct the information before any final decision is made.

Village Haven will act with fairness, patience, and transparency throughout this process.

7. Confidentiality and Data Security

We treat your personal information with utmost care. Any Background Reports obtained will be:

• Stored securely,
• Accessed only by those with a legitimate need,
• Used solely for purposes outlined in this Policy, and
• Retained only for as long as required by law or compliance obligations.

Village Haven does not sell or disclose your Background Reports to third parties except as required by law or expressly authorized by you.

8. California-Specific Disclosures

Because Village Haven begins operations in California, the following state-specific protections apply:

• You may request a copy of your Background Report free of charge at the time Village Haven receives it.
• You may request the contact information of the consumer reporting agency used.
• You have the right to an additional copy of your Report within 60 days of any adverse decision.

California Civil Code § 1786 et seq. governs these rights.

9. Ministry Affiliation Notice

Village Haven is wholly owned by Heart Space Sanctuary, a faith-based 508(c)(1)(a) ministry. While this spiritual foundation influences our values of safety, compassion, and stewardship, background screening decisions are made in accordance with secular law and objective safety standards. Village Haven does not exclude Users on the basis of faith or belief.

10. Acknowledgment and Consent

By signing below, or by clicking “I Agree” during online onboarding, you acknowledge that:

• You have read and understood this Disclosure;
• You authorize Village Haven to obtain Background Reports;
• You understand your rights under the FCRA and applicable state law;
• You consent freely and voluntarily.

Client Signature: ____________________________

Printed Name: ____________________________

Date: ____________________________