Background Checks
Is your Agency Doing Everything Possible To Protect Your Clients?
The Volunteer Center’s Criminal Background Check Program Can Help Keep Your Clients Safe.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Q: Who can participate in the program?
A: You are eligible if you are a nonprofit organization and you provide service to a child, an elderly person, or a person who is mentally incompetent, mentally retarded, physically disabled, ill or incapacitated.
Q : Is this a national check?
A: No, at this time it is only a state-wide check.
Q: How long after training does it take to be approved by Austin?
A: Normally about 7-14 business days.
Q: How long after an agency sends in a submission will a response be given?
A: The turn around time averages between 2-5 business days.
Q: When does the agency pay for its submissions?
A: You will be invoiced when the results come back from Austin.
Q: How does the agency get the results?
A: All results are mailed with the invoice unless there is a “Hit”. If there is a "Hit," local agencies will be required to come to the Volunteer Center to pick it up. "Hits" for out of town agencies will be mailed to the agency Certified Return Receipt.
Q: Can an agency run a check on a volunteer or staff member without their knowledge?
A: No, the volunteer or staff member must sign a consent form.
HOW DOES AN AGENCY PARTICIPATE?
The following list of requirements must be met before an agency can submit names for criminal background check.
Client Agency: Agencies wishing to be part of the criminal background screening should complete applications and provide proper documentation.
Contract: Agencies must sign and return the Agreement for Criminal Background Checks. A check for $75, payable to the Volunteer Center of Lubbock, CBC Program, should be sent with the completed agreement. The non-refundable fee covers the initial training, on-going training, and the registration process. Completed contracts are sent to the attention of CBC Program.
Complete Training: At least two representatives from the organization should attend training. Preferably the Executive Director should attend as well as those responsible for reviewing and approving/denying placement based on criminal background. Documentation of Screening Process: Agencies must supply samples or descriptions of the following for the Volunteer Center’s file:
- Application
- Copy of consent/indemnity form
- Sample job descriptions
- Code of conduct/ethics
- Personal interview format
- Reference check format
- Training strategy
- Supervision/risk management procedures
Send to the attention of:
CBC Program
1706 23rd St., Suite 101
Lubbock, Texas 79411
DPS Approval:
The Volunteer Center will submit names of agencies completing the above to the Texas Department of Public Safety for participation approval.
Upcoming training dates:
Please call us at 747-0551 to schedule a training date and time.
All trainings are held at the Volunteer Center of Lubbock's conference room, 1706 23rd Street.