Virginia Department of Social ServicesOffice on Volunteerism and Community Service

Getting Things Done for Virginia!www.vaservice.org

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:

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 InvestigationsSearch Unit

For help with general background investigations please call:

(804) 726-7098

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

http://www.nationalservice.gov/resources/criminal-history-check Frequently Asked Questions (updated December 11, 2014)

VA State Police Live Scan Information

Let’s Get Things Done!