The BBS oversees licensed LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs. The BBS reviews each Licensee’s criminal history on a case by case basis. Applicants who have prior criminal convictions that are substantially related to the practice of the professional license will be denied if they cannot prove sufficient rehabilitation for safe practice. Each applicant is required report any misdemeanor and/or felony conviction unless it was a Juvenile Court adjudication, a violation of Health & Safety code § 11357(b)(c)(d), (e) or §11360(b) which is two years or older, any charge dismissed pursuant to Penal Code § 1000.3. Any traffic violations for which a fine of $500.00 or less was imposed, or an infraction of law, do not need to be disclosed.
Convictions dismissed pursuant to Penal Code Sections 1203.4, 1203.4a, or 1203.41 must still be reported.
For each reportable conviction, the applicant is required to provide:
- A detailed written statement using the Background Statement Form to describe the actions which led to the arrest and/or convictions. All Background Statement Forms must have an original signature and be dated;
- Copies of police reports;
- Certified copies of the court documents; and
- Sufficient evidence of rehabilitation which can include proof of compliance with voluntary or court ordered programs and letters of recommendation from employers, instructors or others,
If required to submit conviction information, you must be prepared to gather copies of the complaint or indictment, minute order, summary of judgment, any pre-sentencing/probation report, information regarding dismissal pursuant to Penal Code Sections 2303.4, 1203.4a, or 1203.4, and any other documentation regarding the conviction.