Background checks are an important safety measure for participants in the Self-Determination Program because people with developmental disabilities are more likely to be abused than people without disabilities.

UPDATE - MAY 2025: Due to increased applicant volume and lack of DDS staff assigned to processing background checks, current turnaround time may take well over 30 days to return a result. We encourage participants and vendors who need to submit a background check to do so without delay. It may take up to 90 days to receive a clearance result.

Who is required to get a background check?

Anyone who provides "direct personal care services" to participants in the Self-Determination Program must obtain a background check and receive clearance before working. This includes family members who provide direct personal care services. Program participants or their financial management services (FMS) provider can also request proof of clear background checks from any other Self-Determination Program service provider.

Providers who furnish services to more than one Self-Determination Program participant are required to get only one background check.

1. 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 participant.
2. Any employee of a provider that is not a regional center vendor and will be providing direct personal care services to an SDP participant.
   

1. 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.
   

Why are background checks required?

Background checks help to protect the health and safety of participants and their families. Background checks also help participants find service providers who have not been convicted of a serious crime.