Criminal Background Check and Child Abuse Clearance Letter
& Instructions for Thomas Jefferson University Students

Dear JCHP Student:

As you may be aware, there is a national trend requiring criminal background checks and child abuse clearances for students placed in healthcare settings. We believe that these requirements help to bolster the public’s continuing trust in the health professions and enhance the safety and well-being of patients. Since the majority of Thomas Jefferson University’s clinical sites follow this practice, this requirement has been incorporated into Jefferson College of Health Professions of Thomas Jefferson University’s 2008-2009 pre-matriculation process and will affect all students entering the College beginning in January 2008 who participate in clinical rotations, field work, or clinical practicum. Students in the following programs are exempt from this requirement: Master’s in Radiologic and Imaging Sciences, Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy Doctorate and all General Studies programs with the exception of the Associate in Emergency Medical Services.

To assist you in completing this requirement, we have partnered with an agency, Verified Credentials. This agency has an established record of working with students, provides an on-line service that allows the process to be completed expeditiously, and works closely with students should follow-up questions arise.

You must complete the process for both the criminal background check and the child abuse clearance prior to enrollment. The Child Abuse Clearance must be completed at least one month prior to the start of classes; the Criminal Background Check is due the first day of classes. To ensure that you meet these deadlines, we encourage you to begin the process as soon as possible, but no earlier than January 1, 2008 for pre-fall and fall terms.  January 2008 applicants should begin the process immediately. 

You must complete the process as outlined in this letter even if you have previously done a criminal background check or child abuse clearance with another agency or for other purposes.

Once completed, you will receive a full copy of the Criminal Background Check report, via email, in approximately 2-5 days. Jefferson College of Health Professions will be notified by email only that the process has been completed, and whether the background check is clear or requires further review.  JCHP will not have access to the content of your Criminal Background Check report. Do not send a copy of your report to TJU.  Your academic department will advise the clinical site where you are ultimately placed of the completion and corresponding designation. You should retain the copy of your report as the clinical site may request that you submit a copy of the full report at the time of placement. 

The Child Abuse Clearance cannot be completed online; however, the form needed to fulfill this requirement is available for you to download from the Verified Credentials website.  Regardless of your state of residency, you must complete the Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance, and return it to the address indicated on that form.  The results of the Child Abuse Clearance will be mailed directly to you in up to 8 weeks.  You must give the original Child Abuse Clearance report to the Office of Admissions as clinical sites may request a copy at the time of placement. 

An adverse Child Abuse Clearance will result in your inability to be placed at a clinical site and consequently you would be unable to graduate from your program.  Thus, if you receive an adverse result on the Child Abuse Clearance, your offer of acceptance to Jefferson College of Health Professions will be rescinded.

On the other hand, while an adverse Criminal Background Check report will not result in your offer of acceptance to Jefferson College of Health Professions being rescinded, clinical rotation and field work placements may be denied by your assigned clinical site due to felony or misdemeanor convictions, and/or other adverse findings, and the inability to be placed at a clinical site will prohibit you from graduating.
 
If you have questions with the on-line entry system, you may contact Verified Credentials at 800-473-4934.  If after the process is complete you have follow-up questions or feel there is a discrepancy in the report, you may contact either of our Verified Credentials representatives, Nick Degner at 952-985-2382 or Client Services at 800-938-6090.  Questions regarding the Child Abuse Clearance should be directed to the Childline and Abuse Registry of the Department of Public Welfare for the State of Pennsylvania at 717-783-6211. 

Our goal is to provide a streamlined process for completing these requirements. If you have questions prior to beginning this process, please feel free to contact me via email at Karen.Jacobs@jefferson.edu or telephone at 215-503-1040.

Sincerely,
Karen Jacobs Astle
Assistant Dean for Admission 

Instructions:

To obtain a criminal background check you must have:

• Access to a computer with an internet connection
• A valid email account
• A credit card, checking account, or savings account

1. Type the follow internet URL into the address bar on your internet browser: http://www.myvci.com/tju
2. Click on the “Go” button.
3. All students need a Child Abuse Clearance as well. A copy of the Child Abuse Clearance form is available for downloading from this site.  (The Child Abuse Clearance is your (the student's) responsibility and is a separate money order independent of the Criminal Check from Verified Credentials.  It is run by The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare).
4. Click on “Go To Next Step”.
5. Read the “Dear Student Letter” and click “Click Here”.
6. Select the appropriate school and department from the drop down box and click “Next”.
7. Follow the on screen directions.
• Read the Disclosure and Authority to Release Information.
• Enter your First Name, Last Name, Social Security Number, Reenter your SS#
• Select "Yes" and "I Agree" under I would like a copy of my report.
• Sign your name using the mouse and select “Save”.
8. Enter your information. * Denotes required fields:
• Last Name, First Name, Home Phone, E-mail Address, SS#, Date of Birth
• Current Address: Move In Date, Years at this Address,City, State, Zip, Country.
• Add previous address of less than 7 years at current address.
• Click “Next Step”
9. Review the information you submitted on the on-line application. Click the “Back” button to edit any of your information. When you are satisfied, click “Complete” to submit your information.
10. Payment Screen: Select one of the three methods presented and enter the appropriate information. Cost $77.00
• Pay by credit card
• Have the funds taken directly from your checking account
• Have the funds taken directly from your savings account

By completing this form you authorize Verified Credentials and any financial institution indicated to make an electronic fund transfer using your credit card indicated or to make a transfer from your checking account or savings account indicated, as applicable, in an amount equal to the amount of your total.
Click “Place Order”

1. Review the information for accuracy
   Click “Complete”

Once completed, you will receive a full copy of the report, via email, in approximately 2-5 days.

Remember, a Child Abuse Clearance is also required and is a separate process from the Criminal Background Check. Download the form from the Verified Credentials website.