Virginia Department of Social Services
Office on Volunteerism and Community Service
Getting Things Done for Virginia!
www.vaservice.org
Criminal History Background Checks
CNCS & Virginia OVCS
Policies and Procedures
Don’t Judge a Book
By it’s Cover
VA’s 4 Part Check Process
National Sex
Offender
Public
Registry
(NSOPR)
Check
Virginia
State Police
(VSP)
Background
Check
FBI
Fingerprint
Check
Child
Protective
Services
(CPS)
Background
Check
Primary Goals
Ensure the safety of
all program
participants
Complete all
background checks
as early as possible
While awaiting results
programs must
document
accompaniment
Responsibility for Results
Maintained at a secure location
and accessible to OVCS and CNCS.
Will not return actual criminal history.
“Fails” require additional requests for actual history.
First-degree murder conviction or on NSOPR prohibited.
Programs must develop clear written protocol.
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:
http://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/licensing/background_index_childre
ns_facilities/founded_cps_complaints/032-02-0151-11-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: https://solutions.virginia.gov/Notary/Search/Search
•
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) 726-7098
Protecting the Brand
Do your due
diligence
Contact OVCS
with questions
Follow
procedures
properly
Start process
early
Thoroughness
and attention to
detail
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
http://www.nationalservice.
gov/resources/criminalhistory-check
Frequently Asked Questions
(updated December 11, 2014)
VA State Police Live Scan
Information
Let’s Get Things
Done!