Vulnerable Sector Screen (VSS)

A Vulnerable Sector Screen is required for individuals who will be working or volunteering with vulnerable people. A vulnerable person is someone under 18, or an individual who may be  unable to take care of themselves, or unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation by people in a position of authority or someone they trust.  

You should apply at least two months prior to your semester starting.  As processing times may fluctuate due to volume and time of year, do not delay (can take up to 8 weeks to process). 

VSS are considered valid for six months from the date of issuance and must also be valid for the duration of the field placement semester. 

How to apply for the Vulnerable Sector Screen (VSS)

Please select the correct link based on your home municipality and review any additional information.

If you live in a region that is not listed, please visit your local police website for details on how to apply for a Vulnerable Sector Screen. If required by your local police, please request for this by asking your Field Liaison or by completing the Student Request Form for Seneca Letter. 

Toronto

This is an online application. You will need a Seneca authentication code to process your application. Please request for this by asking your Field Liaison or by completing the Request Form for Seneca Letter. Please read the details in applying for a Vulnerable Police Check with the Toronto Police Services.

York Region

This is an online application.

Durham Region

This is an online application. You will also need to contact the Field Placement Team to request a Seneca student letter to include in your application.

Peel Region

This is an online application. You will also need to download this Vulnerable Sector Check Form and include the following information about Seneca:

Reason for Request: School Requirement

Name of Employer/Organization/School/Other requesting Vulnerable Sector Check: Seneca College

Job Title/Position/Program Name: Early Childhood Education Program

Check box of Vulnerable Person(s) you will be responsible for the well-being of: Children 

Students Under 18 Years Old
Seneca’s School of Early Childhood Education program requires all students to present a cleared Police Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) prior to beginning a field placement. According to the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014, criminal reference checks are required for all students and volunteers having direct contact with children. The Police Reference Check must be dated within six (6) months of the start of field placement. However, student under 18 years of age are exempted according to the Child Care Licensing Manual pages 128-129.
Students under 18 years of age by complete the Seneca Polytechnic - Student Waiver for Police Reference Check - Under 18yrs document. By signing document, students must present a clear Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) Police Record Check within one month after turning 18 years old.