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Understanding A Vulnerable Sector Check Our Vers

Vulnerable Sector checks were created in 2000 to protect vulnerable groups from individuals who may present a threat. They include a check for criminal records indicating a pattern of threatening behavior or history as a pardoned sex offender, and may involve fingerprinting. A Vulnerable Sector check is required for positions of trust or authority over vulnerable people, such as teachers and healthcare workers, but not all jobs involving some contact. It is up to the organization responsible for vulnerable individuals to request the check. The decision is based on the position duties rather than the person.

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186 views2 pages

Understanding A Vulnerable Sector Check Our Vers

Vulnerable Sector checks were created in 2000 to protect vulnerable groups from individuals who may present a threat. They include a check for criminal records indicating a pattern of threatening behavior or history as a pardoned sex offender, and may involve fingerprinting. A Vulnerable Sector check is required for positions of trust or authority over vulnerable people, such as teachers and healthcare workers, but not all jobs involving some contact. It is up to the organization responsible for vulnerable individuals to request the check. The decision is based on the position duties rather than the person.

Uploaded by

edzeljansol
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Criminal Record Check

Department

Understanding Vulnerable Sector Checks

Background

Vulnerable Sector checks were created in 2000 to protect children, the elderly and the disabled
from individuals who may present a direct threat to their safety and well-being. The authority
to conduct a Vulnerable Sector check is contained in the Criminal Records Act of Canada.

What is the difference between a regular Police Information Check and one requiring a
Vulnerable Sector check?

The difference between a regular Criminal Record Check and one requiring a Vulnerable Sector
Check is that one with a Vulnerable Sector check will include a check of local police records to
determine if a pattern of behaviour that would present a direct threat to the safety of
vulnerable persons exists. A Vulnerable Sector check will also determine if the applicant has
been a pardoned sex offender. An applicant requiring a Vulnerable Sector check may be
required to be fingerprinted to positively confirm that they are not a pardoned sex offender.

When is a VS Check required?

A Vulnerable Sector check is required when individuals will be in a position of trust or authority
of vulnerable persons. Being in a position of trust or authority is more than merely having
contact or access to vulnerable persons.

Examples of positions that would require a Vulnerable Sector check include teachers, health
care aides, nurses and daycare workers. Examples of positions not requiring a Vulnerable Sector
check include truck drivers, retail employees, serving staff and bank tellers.

Who decides if the Vulnerable Sector Check is required?

It is the responsibility of the organization or person responsible for the vulnerable person(s) to
request a Vulnerable Sector check. The police service to which a Criminal Record Check
application is made will verify if the position is one that requires a Vulnerable Sector check. A
Vulnerable Sector check can only be conducted if the applicant has consented in writing to the
search being done.
When determining whether or not a Vulnerable Sector check can be conducted, the decision is
based on the position and not the person; therefore, detailed articulation of the position is very
important. Organizations requesting a Criminal Record Check with a Vulnerable Sector check
are required to provide the following details of the position:
• The role that the applicant will have with the vulnerable person.
• Whether or not the applicant will have unsupervised access to vulnerable person(s).
• The level of involvement/interaction the applicant will have with the vulnerable person(s),
including the frequency of that involvement/interaction.

Grande Prairie RCMP Detachment may request additional information to determine if the
position meets the legal requirements to conduct a Vulnerable Sector check in accordance with
the Criminal Records Act. If the position does not meet the requirement under the Criminal
Records Act, the RCMP does not have lawful authority to conduct the Vulnerable Sector check.

How should the suitability of an applicant be determined?

A Criminal Record Check with or without a Vulnerable Sector check should not be the only tool
utilized in determining the suitability of an applicant. The requirement for a Criminal Record
Check should not preclude organizations from conducting their own background and reference
checks to determine the suitability of any applicant.

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