About this recommendation
To speed up the process and reduce application costs, offer ways for people to submit background check requests electronically. Requests through physical mail lead to longer wait times and more opportunity for clerical mistakes.
How to do this
- Create a secure, generic email address for receiving requests instead of using an individual’s account. This provides a consistent process that won’t be disrupted by staff transition or vacation time.
- Make your request form computer-friendly. Turn your current form into a fillable PDF, Web form, or a standard Microsoft Word document. Paper forms have to be completed and scanned, creating additional barriers to submitting them — and then for reading them.
- Provide an online portal for accepting background check requests as part of any future system modernization efforts.
Anticipated costs and benefits
Costs
Benefits
- Costs to create a fillable PDF or electronic form
- Faster processing of foster parent licenses
- Increased legibility (when typed)
- Increased accuracy (if the digital form confirms required fields)
- Ability to offer multiple languages
Who's doing this
13 of 54 states and territories have implemented this recommendation.
