Ensuring the safety and well-being of children is paramount, especially in child care environments. One critical component of maintaining a secure environment is thorough background checks for all individuals working with children. Live scan fingerprinting has become an essential tool in this process, offering a quick and reliable method for verifying identities and uncovering potential risks. This article delves into the importance of Live Scan Fingerprinting For Child Care, outlining the process and its significance in protecting vulnerable children.
Live scan fingerprinting is the digital process of capturing fingerprints and transmitting them electronically for background checks. Unlike traditional ink fingerprinting, live scan is cleaner, faster, and more accurate. For child care providers, this technology streamlines the crucial process of screening applicants and employees, contributing to a safer and more trustworthy environment for children.
The process begins when an applicant seeking a position in child care is required to complete a Request for Live Scan Service form, often referred to as the BCIA 8016 form in California. This form, typically accessible on the Department of Justice (DOJ) website of the relevant state, initiates the background check. The applicant then takes this form to a certified Live Scan operator.
At the Live Scan facility, the operator verifies the applicant’s identification, inputs the necessary personal information from the BCIA 8016 form, and digitally captures the applicant’s fingerprints. This electronic capture eliminates the mess and potential smudging associated with ink fingerprinting. Once the fingerprints are scanned, the operator securely transmits this data to the designated state agency, such as the California DOJ. Applicants are provided with an Applicant Transaction Identifier (ATI) number, which serves as a reference for tracking the status of their background check.
The primary purpose of live scan fingerprinting in child care is to access and review an applicant’s criminal history. State agencies like the DOJ maintain comprehensive criminal record databases, often compiling “RAP sheets” that detail arrest and prosecution records. These RAP sheets are fingerprint-based, making live scan an efficient way to access this critical information. For child care facilities, obtaining these background checks is not just a best practice but often a legal requirement, ensuring that individuals entrusted with child care responsibilities do not pose a risk to children.
When the DOJ receives fingerprint images, they are meticulously compared against the millions of fingerprint records in their database. If the fingerprints do not match any existing records, the background check is typically processed swiftly, often within a few days. However, if a match occurs, indicating a potential criminal history, the associated RAP sheet requires manual review by a trained technician. This manual review naturally extends the processing time, and a delay notice is usually issued. The subsequent notice will contain the completed fingerprint check results.
One factor that can further prolong the background check process is missing disposition information for arrests listed on a RAP sheet. The DOJ must ensure that each arrest record includes a corresponding disposition (e.g., conviction, dismissal). If this information is missing, the DOJ undertakes research to determine the disposition, which adds to the overall timeline. Only after this research is complete and the criminal history record is updated is the background check response sent.
In some cases, an FBI background check is also required in addition to the state-level check. When this is necessary, the fingerprint images are forwarded to the FBI. The FBI then conducts a search against its national criminal history database, which includes records from all states and federal agencies. Similar to the state process, if a match is found and RAP sheet is generated, it is reviewed. If disposition information is missing from the FBI-provided RAP sheet, the DOJ is responsible for obtaining it, potentially causing further delays.
To minimize delays in the fingerprinting process, accuracy and completeness from the outset are crucial. Errors in data entry are a common cause of delays that can be easily avoided. Child care applicants and Live Scan operators must ensure that all information on the BCIA 8016 form is filled out accurately. Specific attention should be paid to the following details:
- The Applicant Agency ORI: This is a unique code assigned by the DOJ to the requesting agency.
- Name of the Agency: The official name of the child care agency or organization authorized to receive background check information.
- Mail Code: A five-digit code assigned by the DOJ to ensure results are sent to the correct agency location.
- Authorized Applicant Type and Description: A precise description of the type of applicant (e.g., child care worker, volunteer) and the type of license, certification, or permit being sought. This should match the assigned working title exactly.
Poor fingerprint image quality can also lead to rejection by the DOJ or FBI, causing further delays. If fingerprints are rejected twice by the FBI due to quality issues, a Request for Applicant Name Check by the FBI form (BCIA 8020) must be submitted to the DOJ. There are strict deadlines for submitting this form, and failure to meet them means the applicant will need to be reprinted, restarting the FBI background check process entirely.
The results of the background check are officially sent to the requesting agency, which is typically the child care licensing or oversight body. In California, for instance, the Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) would receive the results. Importantly, if the background check reveals no matching fingerprints in the criminal history database, state law often mandates that a second copy of the result be sent directly to the child care licensee or provider. However, it’s crucial to note that licensees or providers are not legally authorized to receive background check results that contain criminal history information without proper authorization and exemption processes.
For quick access to clearance status, many jurisdictions provide online resources. California’s Background Check Search website is one such example, offering a convenient way to check applicant clearance. Additionally, automated phone systems like the DOJ’s Integrated Voice Response (IVR) System can provide basic status updates using the ATI number as a reference.
Live scan fingerprinting is an indispensable tool for enhancing safety in child care. By providing a robust and efficient method for conducting background checks, it helps child care facilities make informed decisions about personnel, ultimately safeguarding the well-being of children under their care. For more detailed information about fingerprinting processes and requirements, refer to the DOJ website or relevant state agency resources.
