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The OCFS-3909 form is an essential document used in New York State for guardianship inquiries, specifically requesting information regarding child abuse or maltreatment. Designed for court use, the form is required under Section 1706 of the Surrogate's Court Procedure Act. It serves to determine whether a proposed guardian or any adult residing in their home has a history of indicated child abuse. This inquiry acts as a safeguard to ensure the well-being of children under potential guardianship. The form collects personal details such as names, addresses, and birth dates of both the proposed guardian and other household members, ensuring a comprehensive background check. Additionally, it requires a record of the individuals' previous addresses spanning the past 28 years, reflecting the thoroughness needed in such sensitive matters. After completing the OCFS-3909, it must be submitted to the New York Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment for processing. For those needing the form, there are options available to request copies through the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, including an online order system and a dedicated forms hotline.

Ocfs 3909 Example

OCFS-3909 (Rev. 04/2009) FRONT

NEW YORK STATE

OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION GUARDIANSHIP FORM

FOR COURT USE ONLY

SCR USE ONLY: Request I.D. #

RESOURCE ID#

COURT LIAISON

DOCKET FILE #

COURT NAME AND ADDRESS

 

 

AREA CODE/PHONE #

( ) -

ZIP CODE

Section 1706 of the Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act requires that an inquiry be made of the New York Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment as to whether the proposed guardian or any other individual eighteen years of age or over who resides in the home of the proposed guardian is a Subject of an indicated child abuse or maltreatment report.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date of Request

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INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPOSED GUARDIAN(S)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AND MEMBERS OF THE HOUSEHOLD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Relationship

 

 

 

LAST NAME

 

 

FIRST NAME

 

MI

 

SEX

DATE OF BIRTH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To Guardian

(Print one letter in each box)

 

(Print one letter in each box)

 

 

 

 

M

D

Y

Guardian

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maiden or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Please provide your current address and any other addresses at which you have resided for the last 28 years, including city and state for each individual being cleared. (Attach additional page if necessary).

CURRENT ADDRESS: STREET

CITY

STATE

ZIP

FROM

TO

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREVIOUS ADDRESS: STREET

CITY

STATE

ZIP

FROM

TO

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREVIOUS ADDRESS: STREET

CITY

STATE

ZIP

FROM

TO

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREVIOUS ADDRESS: STREET

CITY

STATE

ZIP

FROM

TO

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREVIOUS ADDRESS: STREET

CITY

STATE

ZIP

FROM

TO

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREVIOUS ADDRESS: STREET

CITY

STATE

ZIP

FROM

TO

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADDRESS HISTORY FOR OTHER PERSON(S) 18 YEARS OLD OR OLDER, RESIDING WITH PROPOSED GUARDIAN

LAST NAME & MAIDEN/ALIAS

FIRST NAME

MI

PREVIOUS STREET ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

ZIP

FROM

TO

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREVIOUS STREET ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

ZIP

FROM

TO

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREVIOUS STREET ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

ZIP

FROM

TO

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREVIOUS STREET ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

ZIP

FROM

TO

 

 

 

 

 

 

* ADDITIONAL SPACE PROVIDED ON REVERSE SIDE OF FORM

OCFS-3909 (Rev. 04/2009) REVERSE

RESOURCE ID #

DOCKET/FILE #:

COURT LIAISON: Relationship to Applicant

Record Resource ID # as appropriate. If you need assistance, email: ocfs.sm.conn_app@ocfs.state.ny.us

Record your Court Docket File # as appropriate.

Record Name of Court Liaison.

G – Guardian (S) (at least one person must be so designed)

M – Maiden Name/Alias must be completed for every guardian (“G”)

E – 18 Year old or older residing in a proposed Guardian’s household

F – Family Member under 18 years of age

O – Other Household Member under 18 years of age

Inquiry concerning Guardianship/Statewide Central Register completed form (OCFS-3909) should be sent to:

The New York Statewide Central Register

Of Child Abuse and Maltreatment

P.O. Box 4480, Attn: Service Center Unit

Albany, N.Y. 12204-0480

ADDITIONAL ADDRESSES

LAST NAME

 

FIRST NAME

 

 

 

M.I.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREVIOUS STREET ADDRESS

CITY

 

STATE

ZIP

FROM

TO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LAST NAME

 

FIRST NAME

 

 

 

M.I.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREVIOUS STREET ADDRESS

CITY

 

STATE

ZIP

FROM

TO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LAST NAME

 

FIRST NAME

 

 

 

M.I.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREVIOUS STREET ADDRESS

CITY

 

STATE

ZIP

FROM

TO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LAST NAME

 

FIRST NAME

 

 

 

M.I.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREVIOUS STREET ADDRESS

CITY

 

STATE

ZIP

FROM

TO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LAST NAME

 

FIRST NAME

 

 

 

M.I.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREVIOUS STREET ADDRESS

CITY

 

STATE

ZIP

FROM

TO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LAST NAME

 

FIRST NAME

 

 

 

M.I.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREVIOUS STREET ADDRESS

CITY

 

STATE

ZIP

FROM

TO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LAST NAME

 

FIRST NAME

 

 

 

M.I.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREVIOUS STREET ADDRESS

CITY

 

STATE

ZIP

FROM

TO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LAST NAME

 

FIRST NAME

 

 

 

M.I.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREVIOUS STREET ADDRESS

CITY

 

STATE

ZIP

FROM

TO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LAST NAME

 

FIRST NAME

 

 

 

M.I.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREVIOUS STREET ADDRESS

CITY

 

STATE

ZIP

FROM

TO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TO ORDER A SUPPLY OF OCFS-3909 FORMS:

Please access the Request for Forms and Publications, (OCFS-4627) from the Internet:

http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/forms/management_services/

Mail your completed Request for Forms and Publications, (OCFS-4627) to the Office of Children and Family Services, Forms Management Unit, Resource Distribution Center, 11, Fourth Ave, Rensselaer, NY 12144-2629. If you have difficulty accessing the form from the web-site, you can call The Forms Hot Line at: 518-473-0971.

Form Characteristics

Fact Name Details
Form Identifier OCFS-3909 is the Request for Information Guardianship form used in New York State.
Governing Law The form is governed by Section 1706 of the Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act.
Purpose This form is used to inquire about potential child abuse or maltreatment reports concerning guardians and adult residents in the home.
Submission Address Completed forms should be sent to the New York Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment in Albany, NY.
Update History The form was last revised in April 2009 (Rev. 04/2009).
Ordering Additional Forms To order more OCFS-3909 forms, submit a request using the OCFS-4627 form to the Forms Management Unit.

Guidelines on Utilizing Ocfs 3909

After completing the OCFS 3909 form, you will submit it to the New York Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment. This process is necessary for the evaluation of a proposed guardian and any adult residents in the household. Ensuring this information is correct and complete is vital for a thorough review.

  1. Begin by entering the date of your request in the designated space.
  2. Fill in the information concerning the proposed guardian using the sections provided. Include the guardian’s relationship to the applicant, last name, first name, middle initial, sex, and date of birth.
  3. Provide the current address of the proposed guardian, including street, city, state, and zip code. If applicable, list previous addresses for the last 28 years. Make sure to clarify the time period for each address.
  4. Next, document the history of other individuals who are 18 years or older residing with the proposed guardian. Fill in their last names, first names, middle initials, and previous addresses, including the corresponding timeframes.
  5. On the reverse side of the form, continue listing additional names and addresses as needed, ensuring that all information is accurate.
  6. At the bottom of the form, record the resource ID number, court docket file number, and name of the court liaison. You must complete the designation for guardians, maiden names, and other relevant categories.
  7. Before submitting, double-check that all sections are filled out thoroughly. Any missing or incorrect information could delay the process.
  8. Finally, mail the completed form to the New York Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment at the provided address.

What You Should Know About This Form

What is the OCFS-3909 form?

The OCFS-3909 form is a Request for Information Guardianship form used in New York State. It is specifically designed for inquiries made to the New York Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment. The purpose of this form is to ensure that individuals proposed for guardianship do not have a history of indicated child abuse or maltreatment reports. By completing this form, you are taking a crucial step to safeguard children in potentially vulnerable situations.

Who needs to complete the OCFS-3909 form?

The OCFS-3909 form must be completed by the proposed guardian and any individuals aged 18 or older who reside in the proposed guardian's home. This includes family members and others living in the household. It is essential for everyone in the household to be cleared of any history that may affect the guardianship process.

How do I submit the OCFS-3909 form?

Once the OCFS-3909 form is completed, it should be submitted to the New York Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment. The address to send the form is P.O. Box 4480, Attn: Service Center Unit, Albany, N.Y. 12204-0480. Make sure to include any necessary details and attachments to avoid delays in processing.

What information is required on the OCFS-3909 form?

The form requires various pieces of information regarding the proposed guardian and every individual 18 years old or older living in the household. Key details include names, relationships, dates of birth, current addresses, and any previous addresses for the past 28 years. Be thorough and accurate; incomplete information could hinder the inquiry process.

How long does it take to process the OCFS-3909 form?

Processing times for the OCFS-3909 can vary. Generally, it may take a few weeks to receive confirmation of the inquiry. Factors such as the volume of requests and the specifics of your case may affect this timeline. If you have not received a response after a reasonable time, consider following up with the appropriate agency.

Can I get more OCFS-3909 forms?

Yes, if you need additional copies of the OCFS-3909 form, you can access the Request for Forms and Publications (OCFS-4627) online. Complete this request form and mail it to the Office of Children and Family Services, Forms Management Unit at 11 Fourth Ave, Rensselaer, NY 12144-2629. Alternatively, you can call the Forms Hot Line at 518-473-0971 for assistance.

What happens if someone in the household has a history of child abuse or maltreatment?

If the inquiry reveals that the proposed guardian or any adult residing in the home has a history of indicated child abuse or maltreatment, this information will be reported to the court. The court will consider this information in determining the suitability of the guardian. In such cases, seeking legal advice is critical to understand your options and the next steps you may need to take.

What if I have more questions about the OCFS-3909 form?

If you have further questions, you can reach out for assistance via email at ocfs.sm.conn_app@ocfs.state.ny.us. They can provide guidance and clarify any uncertainties you may have about completing the form or the subsequent processes involved in guardianship inquiries.

Is there a fee associated with submitting the OCFS-3909 form?

No fee is required to submit the OCFS-3909 form to the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment. This service is provided to ensure the safety and welfare of children within the guardianship process. Filing these inquiries is an important part of the system designed to protect vulnerable individuals.

Common mistakes

Filling out the OCFS-3909 form can be straightforward, but many people make simple mistakes that can delay the process. One common error is providing incomplete information about the proposed guardian. Each section requires specific details, such as relationship, name, and date of birth. Missing this information creates gaps that could lead to a rejection of the application.

Another mistake is failing to include all previous addresses. The form requires a complete history of addresses for the last 28 years. Sometimes applicants mistakenly think that their most recent address is sufficient. Omitting earlier addresses can raise red flags and complicate the inquiry process.

Not following the formatting instructions can also lead to errors. For instance, users must print one letter in each box for names. Writing in a different style, like cursive or using abbreviations, can make the information hard to read. This lack of clarity may hinder a timely response from the authorities.

In addition, many individuals forget to report all individuals over the age of 18 living in the guardian's household. Every person in the home must be listed, including their names and previous addresses. Neglecting to do this not only breaks protocol but can also lead to significant delays.

Another frequent issue arises from not including the correct court information. Each form needs to contain accurate details regarding the court name, docket number, and area code. Mistakes in this area can cause the form to be sent to the wrong location or lead to long processing times.

Lastly, applicants often overlook the importance of the signature and date. While it might seem trivial, submitting the form without this crucial information can result in it being deemed invalid. Always double-check for a signature and ensure the date is correct.

Documents used along the form

The OCFS-3909 form is a critical document used when requesting information for guardianship of a child in New York. To support this process, there are other important forms that individuals should be aware of. Below is a list of forms that are often utilized in conjunction with the OCFS-3909.

  • OCFS-4627: Request for Forms and Publications - This form allows individuals to request additional copies of the OCFS-3909 form, as well as other relevant documents. It can be submitted via mail to the Office of Children and Family Services.
  • OCFS-3908: Application for Guardianship - This is the primary application form for guardianship proceedings. It provides necessary information about the proposed guardian and the child involved.
  • OCFS-3932: Background Information Form - Used to gather detailed background information about the proposed guardian and any other adults living in the household. This form aids in assessing suitability for guardianship.
  • OCFS-3906: Court Report Required for Guardianship - This document must be completed by a social services worker. It provides an evaluation of the proposed guardianship situation and is submitted to the court for consideration.

Understanding and utilizing these forms alongside the OCFS-3909 can streamline the guardianship application process and ensure compliance with necessary regulations. Each of these documents plays an essential role in the evaluation and approval of guardianship applications in New York.

Similar forms

The OCFS-3909 form, known as the Request for Information Guardianship form, serves a specific purpose in the guardianship process. Several other documents are similar in function and structure. Below is a list of six such forms, providing insights into their similarities:

  • OCFS-3920: Child Protective Services Referral Form This form similarly requests background information on individuals involved in child protective cases, including potential guardians. Both forms emphasize the importance of ensuring a safe environment for children.
  • OCFS-3952: Background Check Request Form Like the OCFS-3909, this form is used to obtain background information about individuals who will be in contact with children. This process also includes inquiries into criminal history and child abuse reports.
  • OCFS-4627: Request for Forms and Publications This document facilitates requests for various OCFS forms, including the OCFS-3909. It is similar in that it requires specific identifying information but focuses on accessing necessary resources instead of obtaining personal data.
  • Form 485: Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Form Similar to the OCFS-3909, this form aids in documenting reports of suspected child abuse. Both forms function to promote child safety by ensuring appropriate inquiries are made regarding the individuals involved.
  • OCFS-3170: Notice of Child Abuse Investigation This form notifies individuals when an investigation is initiated concerning allegations of child abuse. Its purpose parallels that of the OCFS-3909 in gathering crucial information about a child's guardian and their household members.
  • OCFS-3080: Application for Guardian of a Minor This application formally requests the appointment of a guardian for a minor. It closely mirrors the OCFS-3909 in that both require detailed information about the proposed guardian and the environment in which the child would reside.

Each of these documents shares commonalities with the OCFS-3909 in that they are designed to protect children by ensuring thorough examinations of individuals who may have close interactions with them. They all play critical roles in the process surrounding child welfare and guardianship.

Dos and Don'ts

Filling out the OCFS 3909 form requires careful attention to detail. Here are ten important things to do, and things to avoid, to ensure your submission is accurate and complete.

  • Do read the instructions thoroughly before beginning to fill out the form.
  • Do provide all required personal information, including full names and addresses.
  • Do double-check the dates and ensure they are accurate.
  • Do include all previous addresses for the past 28 years as requested.
  • Do sign and date the form before submission.
  • Don’t leave any sections blank; incomplete forms may result in delays.
  • Don’t use abbreviations; write out names and addresses fully.
  • Don’t forget to verify the correct court liaison and docket file number; errors can lead to confusion.
  • Don’t submit the form without checking for spelling mistakes in names or addresses.
  • Don’t rush the process; taking your time can prevent mistakes.

Misconceptions

Many people have misconceptions about the OCFS 3909 form. Understanding the facts can help clarify its purpose and use. Here are eight common misconceptions:

  • It's only for guardians seeking custody. The OCFS 3909 form is also used to verify the background of anyone over 18 living in the proposed guardian's home, not just the guardian themselves.
  • Submitting the form guarantees approval. The completion of the OCFS 3909 form does not guarantee that the request for guardianship will be granted. The court has the final say.
  • All information provided is confidential. While some information is protected, the form may be subject to court review, so it’s important to provide accurate details.
  • Only current addresses are required. The form requires a history of all addresses where the proposed guardian and household members have lived for the last 28 years, not just current addresses.
  • It can be filled out by anyone. The OCFS 3909 form must be completed by the proposed guardian. They are responsible for the accuracy of the information submitted.
  • The form is only for new guardians. Existing guardians seeking to add new members to their household must also complete the form for any individuals over 18 years old.
  • There is no time limit for submitting the form. The quicker you submit the OCFS 3909 form, the faster you can expect the background checks to be processed, which could influence the timing of the court decision.
  • Results from the form are immediately available. Completing the OCFS 3909 does not yield instant results. Background checks may take time due to processing by the state.

Recognizing these facts can aid in properly navigating the guardianship process and ensure compliance with state requirements.

Key takeaways

Filling out the OCFS-3909 form is a crucial step in the guardianship process. The form serves as a formal request to the New York Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment to check if the proposed guardian or any adults living in the guardian's household have a record of indicated child abuse or maltreatment.

  • The form must be completed with accurate personal details of the proposed guardian, including their full name, date of birth, and any previous addresses over the last 28 years.
  • Be sure to include the required information for all individuals aged 18 and over residing with the proposed guardian. This may include additional pages if necessary.
  • After filling out the form, it should be sent to the designated address for the New York Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment to initiate the inquiry.
  • If you require additional forms, the OCFS-4627 form can be accessed online, and completed requests can be mailed to the Office of Children and Family Services.