The Caregiver Background Check Bureau (CBCB) is working on the development and implementation of a new background check data system. The name of the system is Guardian and is expected to go live Fall 2020.
Guardian will ensure background checks are completed faster and more efficiently, while making the process easier for applicants and agencies to request exemptions. Agencies will have the ability to process clearance and exemption transfers and will be able to manage their rosters online. Another added benefit of Guardian is the online payment capability for TrustLine and Home Care Aide Registry applicants and renewals. Users of Guardian will be able to upload documents electronically, check their exemption status and receive communications through their respective portals.
For questions regarding Guardian, feel free to send us an email.
Due to COVID-19 and the lack of access to Live Scan vendors, the Department of Social Services has implanted an early release of Guardian for Licensees to submit background check applications for name-based background checks for prospective employees. Applications do NOT need to be submitted in Guardian if the employee/caregiver is already associated to your facility. If you are trying to associate a new employee, please contact your Regional Office. If you need assistance with Guardian, please contact Guardian@dss.ca.gov for assistance. Please make Guardian-NoReply@dss.ca.gov a trusted sender to ensure you receive these the email responses if you are inquiring about login assistance.
PIN 20-12-CCLD outlines Updated Statewide Waivers for Background Check Requirements Due to Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) for Adult and Senior Care Program and Home Care Services.
PIN 20-09-CRP outlines Updated Statewide Waivers for Background Check Requirements Due to Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) for Children’s Residential Program.
The limited functionality of Guardian allows for applicants to ONLY complete their disclosure questions required to submit a name based search. The links below provide information on how to navigate the email received from guardian-norepy@dss.ca.gov and how to complete your disclosure process. If you need assistance with Guardian, please contact Guardian@dss.ca.gov for assistance. Please make Guardian-NoReply@dss.ca.gov a trusted sender to ensure you receive these the email responses if you are inquiring about login assistance.
The California Residential Care Hero Awards are now available for qualifying caregivers in Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) and Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly – Continuing Care Communities (RCFE-CCRCs) who are supporting the care of individuals during the COVID-19 emergency. Qualifying individuals will be awarded a one-time stipend of $500 until funds are expended. Employers will utilize Guardian to complete a one-time employment verification for qualifying employees. If you need assistance with Guardian, please contact Guardian@dss.ca.gov for assistance. Please make Guardian-NoReply@dss.ca.gov a trusted sender to ensure you receive these the email responses if you are inquiring about login assistance.
Caregiver Background Check Bureau
What Is the Caregiver Background Check Bureau?
The Community Care Licensing Division’s Caregiver Background Check Bureau (CBCB) was established in January of 1992 to help protect children and vulnerable individuals who are receiving care. The CBCB applies the statutory requirements of Health and Safety Code sections 1522, 1568.09, 1569.17, 1596.871, and 1796.19. Prior to January 1992, this function was performed by the regional offices of the California Department of Social Services. Background checks, sometimes known as criminal history checks, include only criminal history information. They do not include, for example, consumer credit or immigration status information.
The CBCB manages the background check process on all licensed community care facilities, their employees, volunteers and non-client adults residing in a facility. The CBCB also manages background checks on home care aides, unlicensed child care providers registered through TrustLine, and out-of-state child abuse checks for foster care. These individuals must submit fingerprints to the California Department of Justice via LiveScan, then a criminal history check and Federal Bureau of Investigation check are performed. If an individual is associated to a facility serving children, a Child Abuse Central Index check also is performed.
An individual must obtain a criminal record clearance before working, residing in or volunteering in a licensed facility. If the individual has been convicted of a crime other than a minor traffic violation, the individual cannot work or be present in any community care facility unless he/she receives a criminal record exemption.
Want to Find Out More About Caregiver Background Checks?
Please take a look at the information and resources below.