In 2004 Virginia implemented a pilot program to test College of Direct Support (CDS) web-based courses for quality, ease of use, and usefulness for training direct service providers. Read the College of Direct Support Evaluation Brief.
The College of Direct Support Demonstration Program involved team members from private providers, DMHMRSAS Training Centers and community service boards throughout the Commonwealth.
It was determined that this "state of the art" web-based training program for direct support staff has unlimited possibilities and can be applicable to larger target audiences other than those in the developmental disabilities field, such as mental health, aging, brain injury, and physical disability audiences. Please review the crosswalk (below).
The Background Investigations Unit conducts criminal background checks for applicants who accept employment in direct consumer care positions.The Office of Human Resource Development and Management’s Background Investigations Unit was formed in July 1999 to execute the criminal background check process for the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services Licensed Private Providers, as mandated by the Virginia Code § 37.1-183.3.