AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
April 5, 2002
AASA: AFH #2002-011
SUBJECT: BACKGROUND INQUIRY APPLICATION FORM REVISION
AND NEW "DISQUALIFY" LETTER
Dear Adult Family Home Provider:
In August 2000, the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) consolidated several criminal background check units into one. This has resulted in a gradual change in processes and responsibilities as the new background unit has developed. The purpose of this letter is to announce another step in that process.
The DSHS Background Check Central Unit (BCCU) is now ready to assume responsibility for the Background Inquiry Application Form, DSHS 09-828(X). BCCU staff has completed a revision of this form, a copy of which is enclosed. You can choose to begin using this form immediately; however, after June 1, 2002 use of the revised form will be mandatory. After that time, the BCCU will return background check requests that are submitted on earlier versions of the form. The disqualifying crimes list has been removed from the back of the revised Background Inquiry Application form. In its place are instructions on how to correctly complete the form. For your information, a current list of disqualifying crimes is enclosed with this letter.
Also effective June 1, 2002, the BCCU will send a new "Disqualify" letter to the provider for those background check applicants who have disqualifying convictions, self-disclose disqualifying information, or answer yes to questions 16, 17, and/or 18 on the application form.
The "Record" letter will be sent for those with self-disclosures or a record of a non-disqualifying conviction. The "Finding" letter will inform the provider that there is a finding and to contact the specific department to request information.
For example:
- Applicant has Theft 3rd degree and only 1 year has passed since the conviction date. BCCU will send the "Disqualify" letter to the provider.
- Applicant has Theft 3rd degree and it has been 5 years since the conviction
date. BCCU will send the "Record" letter to the provider,
accompanied by the rap sheet or other source information.
- Applicant has a finding from DOH of abuse, neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable adult. BCCU will send the "Finding" letter to the provider.
A copy of each of these letters is enclosed.
You can access the revised Background Check Application Form online at http://www.dshs.wa.gov/dshsforms/forms/eforms.html, or order through the DSHS Forms/Publications Warehouse by faxing your request to (360) 664-0597.
As in the past, adult family homes continue to have the responsibility to comply with RCW 43.43.830 through 43.43.842 upon receipt of a background inquiry result that shows a criminal history or a finding of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. You also are expected to comply with all requirements regarding criminal history disclosure and background inquiries as spelled out in WAC 388-76-685. Remember, when you are making hiring decisions, criminal history background information is only one of the pieces of information you must consider.
To contact BCCU for questions about these changes or other background check questions, please call (360) 902-0299
Sincerely,
Patricia K. Lashway, Director
Residential Care Services
Enclosures (In Word Format)
