Background Screening Survey

The Florida Behavioral Health Association (FBHA) is currently seeking input from individuals who have lived experiences with addiction or mental health regarding Level 2 background screening. Current law in Florida requires individuals seeking certification for peers, recovery residences, recovery residence administrators, or those employed by mental health or substance use disorder treatment programs to pass a Level 2 background screening or seek an exemption from his/her disqualifying offenses.

Over the years, the FBHA has heard from many of you on some of the difficulties in receiving an exemption from disqualification. However, we would like to catalogue specific data related to your experiences. All responses will remain confidential.

Thank you in advance for participating in this project. Please respond by January 5, 2018. For further questions, please contact Jill Gran (jill@myfbha.org).

Question Title

* 1. Do you currently work in the substance abuse or mental health industry?

Yes

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* 2. How would you characterize your role in the addiction or mental health industry? (check all that apply)

I do not work in the industry

Administration/Operations at a mental health treatment program

Administration/Operations at a substance use disorder treatment program

Qualified Professional (licensed under chapters 458, 459, 490, 491 or Certified Addiction Professional)

Corrections program

Recovery Coach

Interventionist

Individual with lived experience in mental health

Individual with lived experience in substance abuse

Recovery residence

Employed at a substance use disorder treatment program (other than mentioned above)

Employed at mental health treatment program (other than mentioned above)

Other (please specify)

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* 3. Do you have a disqualifying offense that would prevent you from working in the industry without seeking an exemption?

Yes

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* 4. If you have an disqualifying offense, when was the most recent disqualifying offense committed (in years)?

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* 5. Since your most recent disqualifying offense, have you been arrested for other non-disqualifying offenses or other misdemeanors?

Yes

I do not have a disqualifying offense

Other (please specify)

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* 6. How many non-disqualifying offenses or other misdemeanors have you had since your most recent disqualifying offense (if applicable)?

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* 7. Please list the disqualifying offenses you have been arrested for and the approximate year the offense was committed (if applicable).

Offense/Year:

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* 8. Have you sought an exemption from disqualification for your offenses?

Yes

I do not have a disqualifying offense

Other (please specify)

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* 9. How long did it take you to obtain the information necessary to submit your exemption package (if applicable)?

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* 10. Once your exemption packet was complete and submitted, how long did it take to receive your determination letter (if applicable)?

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* 11. Was your exemption granted?

Yes

I do not have a disqualifying offense

Other (please specify)

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* 12. If you were denied an exemption, did you take any further steps, such as an appeal? Please explain.

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* 13. If you did not seek an exemption from disqualification, why not? (Check all that apply)

I was unable to obtain needed court records

The process was confusing

I did not think my exemption would be granted

The process was discouraging

It was not worth the effort

I found employment elsewhere

Other (please specify)

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* 14. If you were to suggest changes to background screening, what would be the most important changes your would make? (Please list in order)

Receive hands on assistance in walking through the exemption process

Allow for an individual to work under supervision while the exemption process is taking place

Allow more time to complete an exemption package

Require the state to make a determination within a certain timeframe

Automatically exempt certain offenses such as victimless crimes

Place the burden of proof on an agency to state why I am unfit to work in substance abuse or mental health

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* 15. Do you have any other comments on background screening or exemption process?

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* 16. May we contact you in case we have any questions? This is completely confidential, but you may also remain anonymous.

Name

City/Town

State/Province

Email Address

Phone Number