Criminal Records Check Service
What is it?
The Georgia Child Care Association has partnered with a local law enforcement agency to provide fast, efficient, and cost effective processing of Criminal Records Checks (CRC’s) for all providers throughout the state.
How Does it Work?
Once you have your account set up with GCCA, we will provide you with the necessary pre-printed forms so that all you will need to do is fax your CRC request directly to the police. The forms must be filled out completely, including checking off the Purpose Code “W” on the Criminal History Consent Form. Once they have processed the requested record(s), they will fax the results directly back to you. Within a few weeks you will receive the original hard copy of the results in the mail.
How Long Does it Take to Get the Results Back?
While we do not guarantee the response time, requests submitted before noon will typically be processed and returned the same day.
Can I Hire and Applicant Based on the Faxed Results
Yes. GCCA has arranged with Bright from the Start Department of Early Care and Learning to allow centers to hire an applicant once they have received the faxed results (provided, of course, that the results come back with “No Record” stamped on them). However, Bright from the Start requires that you also obtain the original hard copy and place it in the employee’s file)
How Much Does it Cost
There is a one-time only, non-refundable amount set up fee in order to establish your account with us. The fee for GCCA members is $25.00 and $50.00 for non-members. After paying the account set up fee and receiving your pre-printed forms, you may immediately begin submitting your CRC requests. The fee for each CRC processed (regardless of the results) is $10.00 for GCCA members and $18.00 for non-members. You will receive your hard copies along with an invoice from GCCA indicating the total number of CRC’s processed for the month and the total amount due. If your invoice remains unpaid after 30 days from the due date, you will be charged a $25.00 late fee. If your payment is not received within 60 days from due date, you will be charged a $50.00 late fee and your account will be frozen until full payment is made.
Do I Need a “Dedicated” Fax Line
Yes. The police department must be able to fax the results to a machine that is always on and connected to the phone line (“dedicated”). However, even if you don’t have a full time fax line, you may still be able to take advantage of this service by designating a specified third party to receive the results for you (although some restrictions may apply due to the confidential nature of the information being transmitted). For an additional fee, GCCA can provide this service. For pricing and specific details on using a third party for receiving results, please contact us.
What is a “Secure” Fax Line and do I Need One
A “secure” fax line simply means that faxes that are being received (i.e. the CRC results) are reasonably secure from being viewed by persons other than management. For example, a fax machine located in a busy hallway where any staff person (other than management) could easily view received faxes would not be “secure”. Due to the confidential nature of the information being transmitted, a “secure” fax line is necessary. At all times, the center remains legally responsible for protecting the confidentiality of the information being transmitted.
How Do I Sign Up?
Simply fill out the application and mail it back to us along with your account set up fee and we will get your account set up and mail you the necessary forms to begin submitting CRC requests.
