Download Georgia 5579 Form

When filling out the Georgia 5579 form, there are important guidelines to follow to ensure your application is processed smoothly. Below are five things you should and shouldn't do:

• Do use a ballpoint pen and print clearly. This helps prevent any misinterpretation of your information.
• Don't use initials for your name. Include your full name, including your maiden name if applicable.
• Do ensure that all sections requiring notarization are completed. This is a mandatory step in the application process.
• Don't abbreviate colors when describing your eyes and hair. Write out the full color names to avoid confusion.
• Do check the correct box indicating the current licensure status of your residential child care facility. This is crucial for accurate processing.

Following these guidelines will help streamline your application process and reduce the likelihood of delays or issues with your submission.

Understanding the Georgia 5579 form is essential for anyone involved in residential child care. Unfortunately, several misconceptions exist about this important document. Let’s clarify these misunderstandings.

• Misconception 1: The Georgia 5579 form is only for new applicants.

This form is required for both new applicants and existing employees who have a criminal history. It ensures that all individuals working with children undergo a thorough background check, regardless of their previous experience.

• Misconception 2: You can submit the form without notarization.

Notarization is a critical step in the application process. All applications must be notarized to be considered valid. Skipping this step could lead to delays or rejection of the application.

• Misconception 3: The form does not require personal details.

In fact, the form requires detailed personal information, including your full name, date of birth, social security number, and physical characteristics. This information is necessary for accurate background checks.

• Misconception 4: You can complete the Live Scan before submitting the application.

It is important to wait until you have submitted your application package before proceeding with the Live Scan. Doing otherwise can complicate the process and lead to unnecessary confusion.

• Misconception 5: All criminal history records are automatically cleared after a certain period.

This is not true. Any arrest, charge, or conviction must be disclosed on the form, regardless of how long ago it occurred. Transparency is crucial for the integrity of the application process.

• Misconception 6: You can use abbreviations for your physical characteristics.

When filling out the form, it is essential to avoid abbreviations for eye and hair color. Clear and complete descriptions are required to ensure accurate identification during the background check.

By addressing these misconceptions, individuals can better navigate the application process and ensure compliance with Georgia's requirements for residential child care. Understanding the form's purpose and requirements is the first step toward creating a safe environment for children.

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

   The Georgia 5579 form is used to apply for a Residential Child Care Records Check. This application is essential for individuals seeking employment or licensure in residential child care facilities in Georgia. It allows the Department of Human Resources to obtain criminal history information related to the applicant, ensuring the safety and well-being of children in care.

2. Who needs to complete the Georgia 5579 form?

   Individuals applying for positions as directors, managers, owners, or employees at residential child care facilities must complete this form. If you have a criminal history, it is crucial to indicate that on the application. Additionally, the director or owner of the facility must also verify the information provided by the applicant.

3. What information is required on the form?

   The form requires detailed personal information, including:

   • Your full name, including your maiden name
   • Date of birth
   • Sex and race
   • Social Security number
   • Place of birth
   • Physical attributes like height, weight, eye color, and hair color
   • Home address and telephone number

   It is important to fill out all sections accurately and legibly to avoid delays in processing.

4. Is notarization required for the Georgia 5579 form?

   Yes, notarization is a mandatory step in the application process. The applicant must sign the form in the presence of a notary public. This step ensures the authenticity of the application and the information provided.

5. What happens after submitting the Georgia 5579 form?

   Once the form is submitted, it must be accompanied by a Live Scan fingerprinting session. The results of the criminal history check will be mailed to the address provided on the form. If the application is not received by the Office of Investigative Services, a determination letter will not be issued, which may impact your ability to work in a child care facility.

6. How should I submit the Georgia 5579 form?

   The completed form can be brought to the Live Scan location at 2 Peachtree or specified DHR-DFCS offices. Alternatively, if the Live Scan is done at a COGENT/GAPS location, the form should be mailed to the Office of Investigative Services, Background Investigations Unit, at the specified address in Atlanta, GA. Ensure that the form is sent before the fingerprinting occurs to avoid any processing issues.

Filling out the Georgia 5579 form can be straightforward, but there are common mistakes that applicants often make. One frequent error is not checking the correct applicant type. Applicants sometimes forget to indicate whether they are a director, owner, or employee, leading to confusion and potential delays in processing.

Another common mistake is failing to provide a complete name. It’s essential to print your full name, including your maiden name if applicable. Using initials or omitting parts of your name can result in discrepancies that may complicate your application.

Many applicants also neglect to include vital personal information. This includes details like the date of birth, social security number, and place of birth. Missing this information can halt the process, as the form requires comprehensive data for background checks.

Legibility is crucial when filling out the form. Applicants often use pens that do not write clearly or print their information too hastily. Using a ballpoint pen and taking the time to write legibly can prevent misunderstandings and ensure that your application is processed smoothly.

Notarization is a critical step that some applicants overlook. All applications must be notarized, and failing to do so can lead to immediate rejection of the application. Ensure that your signature matches the one on your bank checks or business letters, as discrepancies can raise red flags.

Providing an incomplete mailing address is another frequent mistake. Applicants sometimes forget to include the full address for the residential child care facility or the mailing address for the determination letter. Incomplete addresses can delay the receipt of important documents.

Lastly, some applicants do not follow the instructions regarding the timing of the Live Scan. It’s important to remember that the form must be submitted before undergoing fingerprinting. Ignoring this step can result in significant delays in the background check process.