In order to protect the safety of children and vulnerable adults, the Department of Health and Welfare requires a criminal history and background check for individuals being licensed or certified by the Department and is required by many service program providers. For specific information including online application, fingerprint locations, denials, employer responsibilites and more, please visit the Criminal History Unit web site at https://chu.dhw.idaho.gov

The IDHW criminal history check is a fingerprint-based check consisting of an application by the applicant; fingerprints of the individual; and additional information obtained from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Criminal Identification, Idaho driving records, the statewide Child Abuse Registry, Adult Protection Registry, Sexual Offender Registry, Nurse Aide Registry and the Office of Inspector General exclusion list.

Who needs to be checked?

People working in the Department Programs or those who are licensed or certified by the Department, and who have direct contact with children or vulnerable adults may need a criminal history and background check. This includes IDHW employees, providers, contractors, volunteers, or others having direct contact. Each program develops guidelines identifying which program participants require an IDHW background check. You may find program specific regulations by linking to http://www2.state.id.us/adm/adminrules/rules/idapa16/16index.htm