September 29, 2023
The purpose of this correspondence is to identify providers of services and supports that must obtain a criminal background check in order to provide services for participants in the Self-Determination Program (SDP) pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code section 4685.8(v). This correspondence, with the additional information below regarding the background check requirements, serves to clarify the November 4, 2019 guidance.
The following individuals are required to get a Department of Developmental Services (Department) criminal background check:
- Any employee of an SDP participant who will provide direct personal care services. This does not include family members who are paid to provide direct personal care services that live in the same home as the
- Any employee of a provider that is not a regional center vendor and will be providing direct personal care services to an SDP
The following individuals are not required to get a Department criminal background check:
- Any employee of a provider that is a regional center vendor who will be providing direct personal care services to the SDP participant, unless a background check is required by that vendor.
Additionally, an SDP participant or their Financial Management Services (FMS) provider may request a Department criminal background check for any employee or provider paid to provide services through the participant’s spending plan.
The participant’s FMS provider will assist applicable service providers in this process by directing them to appropriate locations where fingerprints can be taken. As a reminder, the cost for fingerprinting is the responsibility of the service provider.
If there are any questions regarding the criminal background check requirements, please email [email protected].
Sincerely,
Original Signed by:
VICKI L. SMITH, Ph.D.
Deputy Director
Policy and Program Development Division
This DDS directive may be available in other languages. Here is a link to the DDS website.