Guidebook
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Authorization Form | Background Check Results | Background Disclosure | Definitions | Employment and Access Decisions | Fingerprint-Based Background Checks | General Questions | Disclaimer | Purpose | WSP RapSheet (example) | Reading RapSheets | Request for Thumbprint | Washington State Patrol
Purpose
The purpose of this Guidebook is to provide information on how to conduct a background check through the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Background Check Central Unit (BCCU).
Conducting a background check should be considered one component of the overall assessment of a person's character, competence and suitability to care for and have unsupervised access to children, juveniles or vulnerable adults. A background check provided by BCCU should not be considered the sole basis to allow unsupervised access to vulnerable people.
Each requester of a background check is required to know and follow the mandate of state law and must carefully consider the result of the check for each person who may or will have unsupervised access to vulnerable people.
To consistently apply the background screening process, requesters are encouraged to develop standard policies and procedures to conduct, review, use, store, and release background check information. It is considered good practice to have all written policy and procedures reviewed by your legal counsel.
This Guidebook includes a definition and terminology section to ensure appropriate interpretation of the terms used for the purpose of this booklet.
We have found our greatest understanding of the background check process has come through the asking and answering of questions. We have, therefore, chosen such a format for this Guidebook.
**DISCLAIMER**
This Guidebook is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice or to be used in place of operation standards, personnel policies and/or procedures. This Guidebook should not be used as a resource on Washington State law, code, or administration policy. Please consult the DSHS Web Page or your local library for the current DSHS Administration Policy, RCW and/or WAC.