Virginia Department of Social Services Office on Volunteerism and Community Service Getting Things Done for Virginia!

CNCS & Virginia OVCS Policies and Procedures Criminal History Background Checks

Don’t Judge a Book By it’s Cover

National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) Check Virginia State Police (VSP) Background Check FBI Fingerprint Check Child Protective Services (CPS) Background Check VA’s 4 Part Check Process

Primary Goals Ensure the safety of all program participants Complete all background checks as early as possible While awaiting results programs must document accompaniment

First-degree murder conviction or on NSOPR prohibited. Programs must develop clear written protocol. Will not return actual criminal history. “Fails” require additional requests for actual history. Maintained at a secure location and accessible to OVCS and CNCS. Responsibility for Results

The VDSS Child Protective Services Check OVCS requires CPS checks on AmeriCorps members and staff There are 3 types of results: 1) Request for items that are missing or incomplete 2) If there is a finding, contact your assigned OVCS Program Officer 3) The individual is cleared and no further action is needed

VDSS Central Registry Release of Information Form To download the most current version of this form, please go to: ns_facilities/founded_cps_complaints/ eng.pdf

VDSS Central Registry Release of Information Form The VDSS Office of Background Investigations Search Unit processes over 178,000 search requests annually (FY14 data) For 1 search request, it takes VDSS approximately 3 weeks to process….possibly longer if there are findings How to avoid delay in processing: It is recommend that the applicant’s information is typed into the form to avoid any delays. If the VDSS Office of Background Investigations is not able to discern the info provided on the form, it is returned to the organization that submitted the search request.

Recommended Practices to Avoid Delays in Processing CPS Forms Part I: Agency Information Is the requesting agency name or agency code is missing? Is this requesting agency address is missing? Original forms only (2/14). No duplicates.

Recommended Practices to Avoid Delays in Processing CPS Forms Part II: Applicant Information Do not use white out Print legibly if not typing the form Provide all Info (i.e. - Full Name, Sex, Race, DOB) Full signature only, no initials. If name is an initial only, then state “initial only” {i.e. – G. Callen (initial only)} Check box on form if there is no Spouse or Children Provide the entire current address

Recommended Practices to Avoid Delays in Processing CPS Forms Part III: Applicant Release Section The back of the form must be signed by the individual being searched If a minor (under 18), a parent/guardian must also sign The form must be signed with notary seal/stamp by a Notary Public or the Certification of acknowledgment is incorrect Find a notary: Include the date that the Notary’s commission expires Include the Notary Public Registration # (Notary Number)

Office of Background Investigations Search Unit For help with general background investigations please call: (804)

Protecting the Brand Do your due diligence Start process early Thoroughness and attention to detail Follow procedures properly Contact OVCS with questions

Group Activity Scenario at each table.Discuss scenario with your group.How would you handle this situation?What resources would you use?Select a note taker and reporter.

Additional Resources gov/resources/criminal- history-check Frequently Asked Questions (updated December 11, 2014) VA State Police Live Scan Information

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