Free Georgia 5579 Template in PDF

1. What is the purpose of the Georgia 5579 form?

   The Georgia 5579 form, known as the Residential Child Care Records Check Application, is used to authorize a criminal history record check for individuals seeking employment, ownership, or a director/manager role in residential child care facilities in Georgia. It allows the Department of Human Resources and potential employers to access any criminal history record information that may be on file with any state or local criminal justice agency in Georgia. This process ensures the safety and welfare of children by verifying the background of those who work closely with them.

2. Who needs to complete the Georgia 5579 form?

   Individuals applying for positions as employees (with a criminal history), owners, or director/managers in residential child care facilities in Georgia must complete this form. If an applicant serves in both an owner and a director/manager capacity, they should indicate both roles on the form. The completion of this form is a critical step in the licensing or employment process within residential child care settings.

3. What information is required on the Georgia 5579 form?

   The form requires detailed personal information from the applicant, including their full name (including maiden name, if applicable), date of birth, sex, race, Social Security Number, place of birth, height, weight, eye color, hair color, home address, and telephone number. Additionally, the applicant must sign a consent statement authorizing the criminal record check and attach an affidavit disclosing any arrests, charges, or convictions. The section to be completed by the director/owner of the residential child care facility requires information about the facility and the verification of the applicant’s details.

4. How should the Georgia 5579 form be submitted?

   The completed form must be notarized and, depending on the process for the criminal background check (Live Scan or COGENT/GAPS location), brought to the designated location or mailed to the Office of Investigative Services Background Investigations Unit at the provided address. It is crucial to follow these steps accurately to ensure that the criminal records check application is processed without delays.

5. What happens if the Georgia 5579 form is not properly submitted?

   If the Georgia 5579 form is not received by the Office of Investigative Services, or if any information is incomplete or incorrectly submitted, the applicant will not receive a determination letter regarding their criminal history record check. This can result in delays or denial of employment, ownership, or director/manager roles within residential child care facilities. It is therefore essential to complete, notarize, and submit the form as directed.

6. Is there a fee associated with the submission of the Georgia 5579 form?

   The instructions do not specify a fee for the submission of the form itself. However, there may be fees associated with the criminal background check, fingerprinting process, or notarization of the form. Applicants are advised to check with their potential employer or the facility where they are applying, as well as any location providing Live Scan or notarization services, for any applicable fees.

Filling out form 5579 for a Residential Child Care Records Check in Georgia requires careful attention to detail. Unfortunately, a few common mistakes can lead to delays or even rejection of your application. Let’s take a closer look at these errors so you can avoid them.

1. Applicant Type not specified: Applicants often forget to check whether they are applying as a Director/Manager, Owner, or Employee. This might seem minor, but it's crucial for processing your application correctly.

2. Not using full legal name and maiden name: It’s important to print your full name, including your maiden name if applicable. Shortening your name to initials or omitting your maiden name can lead to incorrect record checks.

3. Abbreviating eye and hair color: Despite clear instructions not to abbreviate, many applicants still shorten their eye and hair color descriptions. Precise information is necessary for accurate identification.

4. Illegible handwriting: Since the form must be filled out with a ballpoint pen and printed legibly, messy handwriting can lead to misinterpretation of critical details, such as your social security number or address.

5. Forgetting to attach the required affidavit: If there are any arrests, charges, or convictions (other than minor traffic violations), an affidavit disclosing these details must be attached. This step is often overlooked.

6. Application not notarized: A common and crucial mistake is forgetting to get the application notarized. Without notarization, the application process comes to a halt until this step is completed.

Getting these details right the first time can save a lot of time and effort. Remember to review your application against these common mistakes before submission. This practice ensures a smoother process for both you and the reviewing office.

When seeking to adhere to compliance and regulatory obligations within the state of Georgia, particularly concerning the residential child care sector, numerous forms and documents often accompany the Georgia 5579 form. The primary purpose of the Georgia 5579 form is to facilitate a records check application within the Department of Human Resources, aimed at individuals who seek employment or are currently employed in child care facilities. This is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and well-being of children in these care settings. In conjunction with the Georgia 5579 form, there are several other important documents necessary to complete the application process or maintain compliance.

• Consent for Background Check: This document authorizes the state or a private agency to conduct a background check on the applicant, detailing the extent and type of check that will be conducted, including criminal history, past employment verification, and educational background checks.
• Affidavit of Good Moral Character: Often required for positions that involve the care or supervision of children, this sworn statement attests to the applicant’s moral and ethical standing, confirming that they have not engaged in behavior that could disqualify them from working with children.
• Child Abuse Registry Check Consent Form: This gives permission to check the state’s Child Abuse Registry for any records associated with the applicant, an essential step in vetting potential child care employees.
• Employment History Verification: Employers use this form to verify the applicant's past employment history, positions held, and conduct during employment, ensuring they are fit for a child care role.
• Educational Credentials Verification: This form allows the employer to verify the educational achievements the applicant claims to hold, ensuring they meet the qualifications required for the job.
• Medical Health Examination Form: A record of a physical examination that certifies the applicant is free from any health conditions that could impair their ability to safely care for children, including up-to-date immunizations.
• Drug Screening Consent and Results: This forms part of the pre-employment or ongoing employment checks, where the applicant consents to drug screening and the results are recorded, ensuring the safety of the care environment.

To ensure the highest standards of care and safety in residential child care settings, the integration and careful processing of these documents with the Georgia 5579 form are indispensable. Each document serves a unique purpose, collectively they offer a comprehensive view of the suitability of an individual to work in such sensitive environments. Applicants and employers alike must be diligent in completing and maintaining these documents to uphold the integrity and safety of child care services within Georgia.

The Georgia 5579 form, designed for use by applicants and residential child care facilities for background checks, bears similarities to several other documents used across various sectors for the purpose of ensuring safety, verifying identities, or fulfilling regulatory compliance. While each document has its own specific context and use, their core purpose aligns with that of the Georgia 5579 form—to collect data essential for background screening or verification processes.

• Employment Application Forms: Similar to the Georgia 5579, many employment application forms require personal information, employment history, and, in some cases, consent for a background check. This can include a criminal history check, which is essential for roles that involve working with vulnerable populations, handling sensitive information, or assuming positions of trust.

• Foster Parent Application Forms: These forms, like the Georgia 5579, collect in-depth personal information and histories from applicants to assess their suitability for providing a safe and nurturing environment for children. They often require authorization to conduct thorough background checks, including criminal history.

• Volunteer Application Forms for Non-Profits/Schools: Organizations that work with children, the elderly, or other vulnerable groups use these forms to gather information similar to the Georgia 5579. This ensures that volunteers have the appropriate background to work safely with these populations.

• Gun Purchase Background Check Forms: While primarily focused on firearms transactions, these forms include consent for a criminal history check, similar to the background check authorization found on the Georgia 5579 form. The objective is to prevent individuals with certain types of criminal records from obtaining firearms.

• Tenant Screening Application Forms: Landlords use these forms to collect personal information, including past residence history, financial information, and sometimes, consent for a background check, paralleling the safety and verification purposes of the Georgia 5579 form.

• Security Clearance Forms: Used by government agencies, these forms are more in-depth but have a similar aim—to collect personal and professional history information for the purpose of conducting background investigations, much like the verification process involved in the Georgia 5579 form.

• Professional Licensing Applications: Whether it's for medical practitioners, lawyers, or real estate agents, these applications require detailed personal information and consent for background checks to ensure the applicant meets all ethical and professional standards.

• Credit Card Application Forms: These forms collect personal and financial information and include consent for credit checks, akin to the background checks for the Georgia 5579, to assess the applicant's financial responsibility.

• Adoption Application Forms: Similar to the Georgia 5579, these forms are used by agencies to collect detailed personal information from prospective adoptive parents and include consent for extensive background checks to ensure the safety and best interest of children.

Each of these documents, while tailored to their specific contexts, shares the central theme of collecting vital information for the purpose of making informed, responsible decisions regarding employment, licensing, volunteer work, or other roles that require a high degree of trust and integrity.

When filling out the Georgia 5579 form, it is important to follow specific guidelines to ensure the process is completed accurately and effectively. Here is a list of things you should and shouldn't do:

• Do:
• Use a ballpoint pen, press firmly, and print legibly to ensure all information is clear and readable.
• Check the appropriate applicant type box that accurately describes your position as either a director/manager, owner or an employee with a criminal history. If applicable, check both owner and director/manager.
• Provide your complete name, including your maiden name if you have one, without using initials.
• Include all the requested personal details such as date of birth, sex, race, Social Security Number, place of birth, height, weight, color of eyes, and color of hair without abbreviation.
• Read the consent statement carefully before signing your name as you would on a bank check or business letter to authorize the background check.
• Ensure the application is notarized before submission as per the instructions.

• Don't:
• Avoid leaving any fields blank. Incomplete applications may result in processing delays or outright rejection.
• Do not use any kind of abbreviated form for the color of your eyes or hair, as the form specifically instructs.
• Refrain from signing the application before it is completely filled out and you have checked that all entered information is accurate and truthful.
• Do not perform the live scan fingerprinting before turning in your application package to avoid discrepancies or processing issues.
• Do not forget to attach the mandatory affidavit if it applies to your situation, disclosing the nature and date of any arrest, charge, or conviction, as required by law.
• Avoid sending the form to the Office of Investigative Services (OIS) after your fingerprinting at the COGENT/GAPS location, as it must be received by OIS before the fingerprinting is done.

Understanding the Georgia 5579 form is crucial for individuals involved in child care services, yet it’s surrounded by misconceptions. We’ll dispel some of the most common misunderstandings below:

• Misconception 1: The form is only necessary for employees with a criminal history.

This notion is inaccurate. The Georgia 5579 form is required for all prospective employees, directors, or owners of residential child care facilities, regardless of their criminal history. Its purpose is to ensure the safety of children by facilitating a comprehensive background check.

• Misconception 2: Completing and submitting the form guarantees employment.

Submission of the form is merely a step in the application process. It allows the Department of Human Resources and potential employers to receive criminal history record information. However, it does not guarantee employment as the final decision depends on various factors including the outcome of the background check.

• Misconception 3: Personal information can be abbreviated or left incomplete.

Accuracy and completeness are essential. The form clearly indicates that full names (including maiden names) must be provided without using initials. Other details like race, sex, birthplace, and Social Security Number should also be accurately filled out. Incomplete or abbreviated information can lead to processing delays or inaccurate background checks.

• Misconception 4: The form only pertains to state-level criminal records.

This assumption is false. The authorization allows for the retrieval of criminal history record information from both state and local criminal justice agencies in Georgia. This comprehensive approach ensures that all relevant records, irrespective of their jurisdictional origin, are considered.

• Misconception 5: Notarization is optional.

Every application must be notarized, as explicitly stated in the form’s instructions. This step is a legal requirement that confirms the identity of the signatory, ensuring that the application is correctly authorized by the applicant. Neglecting this step can render the application process incomplete.

In conclusion, the Georgia 5579 form is a critical part of ensuring the safety and well-being of children in residential care settings. Misunderstandings about its requirements can complicate the application process for individuals and facilities. Clarifying these misconceptions is essential for the timely and efficient processing of background checks.

When filling out and using the Georgia 5579 form, which is intended for residential child care records check applications, there are several key takeaways that ensure the form is completed accurately and effectively:

• Determine the applicant type carefully: You need to indicate whether you are applying as a Director/Manager, Owner, or Employee (with criminal history).
• Provide comprehensive personal details: This includes your full name (including maiden name), date of birth, gender, race, Social Security Number, place of birth, physical attributes (height, weight, color of eyes, and hair), home address, and telephone number.
• Consent for criminal history record check is required: By signing the form, you authorize the Georgia Department of Human Resources and your potential employer to receive any criminal history record information pertaining to you.
• Disclosure of past criminal activity is mandatory: An affidavit must be attached, disclosing the nature and date of any arrests, charges, or convictions for violations of law in any state, except for motor vehicle parking violations.
• Notarization is a must: The application must be notarized, confirming the authenticity of the information provided and the identity of the applicant.
• Information for Residential Child Care Facility owners/directors: Owners or directors of the facility must provide details about the facility, including its name, address, and licensure status.
• Accuracy in providing facility address: The address where the results of the record check will be mailed must be printed clearly and completely.
• Signature of the Director/Owner is crucial: This signature verifies the information provided about the applicant and the facility.
• Submission instructions: The form, once completed, must be brought to Live Scans at specified locations or, if done at a COGENT/GAPS location, mailed to the Office of Investigative Services Background Investigations Unit in Atlanta before fingerprinting.

Following these guidelines carefully will assist in the smooth processing of background checks for individuals seeking to work in residential child care facilities in Georgia.