Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) | Seneca Nanji Foundation School of Nursing | Seneca Students

Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)

The Seneca Nanji Foundation School of Nursing programs require all students to present a cleared Police Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) prior to beginning a clinical placement. 

This requirement supports patient safety and protects vulnerable individuals receiving care in healthcare settings. In accordance with the Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015 and the screening requirements of clinical placement partners, students must provide a VSC issued before the start of their clinical placement. The VSC must remain valid for the duration of the placement.

A Vulnerable Sector Check is done to protect clientele considered “vulnerable persons.” A vulnerable person means a person who, because of their age, disability, or other circumstance, whether temporary or permanent, is (a) in a position of dependence on others or (b) is otherwise at greater risk than the general population of being harmed by a person in a position of authority or trust relative to him or her. Before having direct contact with clients and other vulnerable persons, community agencies and hospitals require a satisfactory VSC.

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 12 weeks to process). 

VSC are considered valid for 1 year from the date of issuance and must also be valid for the duration of the clinical practicum semester. Therefore, students can expect to apply for a new VSC once per year. See deadlines below and monitor Concise Health compliance deadlines.

VSC are valid for 6 months in long-term care home and pediatric settings from the date of issuance and must be valid for the duration of the clinical practicum semester. 

Please note that a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) cannot be completed while outside of the country. Students applying for a VSC must be physically present in Canada at the time of application. We encourage students to plan accordingly to avoid delays.  

How to apply for the Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)

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 Check. If a Seneca support letter is required by your local police, please request for this by completing the Student Request Form for Seneca Letter. 

Toronto ( East York, Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough, York, Toronto)

This is an online application. You will need a Seneca authentication code to process your application. Student may retrieve the Seneca authentication code from the field placement BlackBoard course site under the Field Placement Materials and Resources folder. Please read the details in applying for a Vulnerable Sector Check with the Toronto Police Services.

York Region (Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Aurora, Stouffville, Georgina, East Gwillimbury, King City)

This is an online application.

Durham Region (Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa Clarington, Brock, Scugog, Uxbridge)

This is an online application. You will need a Seneca letter to include with your application. Please request for this by completing the Student Request Form for Seneca Letter. 

Peel Region (Brampton, Mississauga)

This is an online application. You will also need to create an account (if your first time applying) Vulnerable Sector Check Account and include the following information about Seneca:

Reason for Request: School Requirement

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

Job Title/Position/Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Nursing OR Practical Nursing Diploma OR Personal Support Worker OR Internationally Education Nurses Program (choose your program)

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

• Children (for Pediatric Clinical Settings - not hospital floors. Example: Erin Oaks)
• Adults (choose adults for all settings if not sure)

Caledon

This is an online application. You will need a Seneca letter to include with your application. Please request for this by completing the Student Request Form for Seneca Letter. 

Halton Region (Caledon, Burlington, Oakville, Milton, Halton Hills)

Applicants are required to provide a volunteer letter, on agency letterhead, indicating the position/duties you will be volunteering for. To receive your free record check, you can apply online (subject to a $9.95 convenience fee) or attend Headquarters, located at 2485 North Service Road, Oakville (no charge). You will need a Seneca letter to include with your application. Please request for this by completing the Student Request Form for Seneca Letter. 

South Simcoe (Innisfil, Bradford)

This is an online application. You will need a Seneca letter to include with your application. Please request for this by completing the Student Request Form for Seneca Letter. 

All Other Regions:

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 Check. If a Seneca support letter is required by your local police, please request for this by completing the Student Request Form for Seneca Letter. 

Students Under 18 Years Old

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 Check (VSC) within one month after turning 18 years old.

NOTE: Individuals who have been charged or convicted criminally and not yet pardoned, will be prohibited from proceeding to a clinical/practicum or work placement. If at any time prior to completing the program, students are charged with a criminal offence, they are required to report this information immediately to their Clinical Coordinator.