Florida Catholic | Background Checks Q & A

Any questions?

Here’s what employees, ministers and volunteers need to know about the Diocese of Palm Beach’s new fingerprinting method.

Published: 10.19.07

Samantha Miller with Advantage Biometrics Group, instructs Tammy Basore (left) and Lynn Powell (right) both from St. Rita's in Wellington how to use the new electronic fingerprinting system.
JASON COLLINS | FC

Q: Who must go through the process and why?

A: The Diocese of Palm Beach Safe Environment program and policy for Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults requires all who come in contact with children or at-risk adults to go through the fingerprint submission process. That includes volunteers working in parishes and diocesan activities. Rules apply to church personnel including priests and deacons, religious women and men, and all employed and working in diocesan and parish ministries, organizations or other entities.

Q: What if it has been five years since I was last fingerprinted?

A: The old system that required routine fingerprinting every five years was put in place five years ago. If you were employed or working for the diocese back then, refingerprinting is required soon and you will be notified.

Q: How does the process work?

A: Step-by-step instructions have been distributed to compliance offices and administrators throughout the diocese to guide individuals through the screening. The first step is to click onto www.dopb.sofn.net to register. The site provides fingerprinting sites. Once required data is input, the computer program generates a bar code to be presented at the service center with photo identification. Appointments are necessary. At the center, a coordinator takes an impression of fingers on a glass screen and the images are electronically submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Q: What does it cost the employee or volunteer?

A: No payment is required for testing.

Q: How do I know the information is secure?

A: When the fingerprint process is complete, the information is transmitted directly to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The information is not maintained on the computer or in files. No one can read or obtain the information submitted.

Q: What kind of information is the background check looking for?

A: The screening is done in accordance with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The charter requires all dioceses to evaluate the background of those working with children by utilizing the resources of law enforcement agencies. The fingerprints are sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and they are checked against their records and FBI records for any criminal history.

Q: Who receives final results?

A: Result information is sent to the diocesan Serving Children Office.

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Any questions?

Here’s what employees, ministers and volunteers need to know about the Diocese of Palm Beach’s new fingerprinting method.

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