Students who have been convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors, raise serious concerns regarding their appropriateness for the profession of social work since the protection of clients is the utmost concern.

An increasing number of health, social series, family, children and elderly serving agencies routinely complete criminal and driving record background checks, as well as drug screenings, verification of professional references and standard health assessments are also routinely required for student interns.

In keeping with current practice in most social service agencies today, the Department of Social Work routinely conducts a registry and directory check through the Indiana Sheriff's Office and the Indiana Sex and Violent Offender Directory on all students registered for SOCWK200, Social Work Practice I.  A major assignment in this course consists of a volunteer experience in a social service related agency.  These same registry and directory checks are completed also at the time a transfer student is admitted to the university and declares social work as her/his major.

Students who have been convicted of the following offences are not eligible for formal admission to the major: 

• Felony
• Felony assault / assault
• Drug related offence
• Theft
• Domestic violence offences
• Child abuse offences
• Murder / manslaughter offences
• Felony DUI (with bodily injury)
• Stalking, sexual assault/rape offences

Students with felonies related to drug offences and drunk driving charges or other misdemeanors may be admitted provided the convictions are not recent or pending and the student can document successful completion of probation and substance abuse recovery.  Such students, if accepted, must sign a waiver saying that they understand that their criminal history may limit their practicum site placement and their professional options once they have completed the BSW degree, and that they authorize the Department of Social Work to discuss their criminal history with staff of potential field practicum sites.  Failure to sign the waiver or to grant such authorization will result in non-acceptance to the major and consideration for field placement.  Students who are concerned with prior or pending felony or misdemeanor charges should discuss their concerns with their Faculty Advisor, the Transfer Coordinator or the Chair of the department.

Any information that would be revealed in a background or registry check must be disclosed by the student applying for formal admission to the major and during field placement planning.   Failure to disclose criminal histories will result in a denial of formal admission to the major.

Students who plan to seek licensing as social work practitioners should contact professional, federal, and state regulatory agencies to determine current regulations regarding felony convictions.