Dear AmeriCorps Program Directors

As you know, on November 23, 2007, CNCS implemented new rules and requirements for background checks. The full Rule and related materials are available at http://www.cns.gov/for_organizations/manage/history_checks.asp

In the Rule, grantees are referred to the Staff Screening Toolkit (http://www.nationalserviceresources.org/filemanager/download/ProgramMgmt/Staff_Screen_tool.pdf) which lists the official Criminal History Record Repository in each state. In New York, the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (NYSDCJS) (http://criminaljustice.state.ny.us/ojis/recordreview.htm) is the official repository of criminal history records.

Many of you have tried to access the criminal history records through NYSDCJS and have found it difficult, if not impossible. We have found out that they have very specific requirements about who is permitted to access their criminal history information, and that many AmeriCorps Programs may not qualify easily. Because of this, the Corporation is allowing a Criminal History Record Search through the New York State Unified Court System (http://www.nycourts.gov/apps/chrs/) to fulfill the criminal history search requirement of the Rule. You’ll find specific how-to’s on the NY Court’s website. The cost is $52, which is actually less than the cost would be through NYSDCJS. As discussed in the Rule, an FBI Background Check is also an acceptable method of checking an applicant’s criminal history.

Please remember that this will only fulfill the requirement to conduct a criminal history background check in NY State. You still must fulfill the other requirements of the Rule including: appropriate documentation, identification verification, check of the National Sex Offender Public Registry, and other state checks depending on the residence of the applicant. Refer to the full Rule, FAQs and other materials for more details.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact your State Program Officer.

Thank You,

Mark Walter