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A Vulnerable Sector Check or VS, is the most comprehensive of all levels of checks, but is only appropriate for persons working vulnerable persons in a position of trust or authority. In order to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check, we have an obligation under the Criminal Records Act to verify there is a bona fide requirement for this level of check. The position must meet a narrow set of criteria in order for us to be satisfied that a VS is truly required.
A vulnerable person is defined as a person who because of his or her age, disability or other circumstances , whether temporary or permanent, is in a position of dependency on others or is otherwise at greater risk than the general population at being harmed by a person in a position of trust of authority towards them
The VS check includes all the information contained in the other police checks as well as additional detail.
It confirms whether or not the subject has a criminal record or convictions in Canada for which fingerprints were taken. It also provides additional details from police files, such as: judicial orders which may be in effect, outstanding charges and warrants, discharges within disclosure periods, convictions for offences for which fingerprints were not taken, and other potentially relevant information. In limited situations, it may also include police contacts and non-conviction information where the police have determined that it meets the criteria based on an Exceptional Disclosure Assessment. This information is only done disclosed when there may be compelling concern for the safety of vulnerable persons.
Vulnerable Sector screening also includes a query of convictions for sexual offenses for which the applicant has received a pardon or a record suspension.
This level of check is the most appropriate for persons working as teachers, nurses, personal support workers, day-care staff, retirement nursing home staff, scout leaders, foster parents, or anyone working with children, the elderly or persons with physical or cognitive challenges.
Please note that applicants requesting this level of a record check may be required to submit fingerprints as a result of an inconclusive vulnerable sector search. This means that either; your name, gender or date of birth, or gender and date of birth have matched to an individual who has received a pardon or record suspension. You will receive further notification and further instruction should fingerprints be required to be completed. In general, less than 8% of VS applicants are required to provide fingerprints.
While individual agencies may have internal policies that mandate a VS check for their employees and volunteers, we are under no obligation to provide this level of check if the position does not meet the necessary criteria.
Please note that we do not provide a Vulnerable Sector Check for individuals under the age of 18 years. These applicants will be provided with a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check.
We encourage employers to contact us with any questions or concerns, or if they require clarification on this issue.