2. Understand the types of criminal background checks

Police services call a background check a “criminal record check”. Even though a youth record is not a criminal record, a criminal record check will show certain types of open youth records. There are 3 types of criminal background checks:

• a criminal record check
• a criminal record and judicial matters check
• a vulnerable sector record check

Criminal record checks

Criminal record checks show criminal court cases that ended with:

• a conviction (this is only for adults), or
• a youth finding of guilt if the access period of the youth record is still open.

See Step 1 to figure out if your access period is still open.

Criminal record and judicial matters checks

Criminal record and judicial matters checks are sometimes called “enhanced criminal record checks”. They show everything a criminal record check shows plus any cases that:

• ended with a discharge,
• aren't finished yet, or
• have an outstanding arrest warrant.

Vulnerable sector checks

Vulnerable sector checks are the most detailed. The police only do this if you're applying for a job where you'll be working with:

• children
• older people
• others who may be vulnerable

This check shows all records that the police think might negatively affect your ability to work with vulnerable people. This includes police and court records. It can even include criminal charges that were withdrawn or cases where you were acquitted.

Background checks that show youth records

If the police find a youth record during your background check, they must create 2 separate reports:

• a background check report that only shows youth records
• a background check report that shows any adult records and doesn't mention your youth records

They must give the report with the youth records only to you. They must never give the report with your youth records to anyone else.