PM423.pdf

This is a Policy Memorandum (#423) issued by the State of California's Department of Developmental Services, Residential Services Division, dated July 25, 1994. The document outlines comprehensive employment practices and hiring guidelines for developmental centers, specifically addressing the screening and potential employment of applicants with prior criminal convictions. The policy establishes strict protocols for evaluating applicants who have been convicted of felonies or misdemeanors, with a primary focus on protecting the safety and well-being of clients residing in or receiving services from developmental centers.

The memorandum provides detailed instructions for background checks, including mandatory criminal background screenings through the California Department of Justice prior to offering employment. It specifies numerous disqualifying offenses, particularly those involving sexual crimes, violence, abuse, and other serious felonies. The policy requires a thorough review process for applicants with criminal histories, involving the Senior Special Investigator and the Executive Director, who must consider multiple factors such as the nature of the position, recency and severity of the offense, the applicant's age at the time of the offense, and recommendations from past employers. The document also outlines procedures for handling arrests, convictions, and situations where criminal records might not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment.