TX HHS Form 8708. Criminal History Disclosure

Form 8708, Criminal History Disclosure, is an official Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) document used to collect detailed criminal background information from individuals applying for, working in, or volunteering with certain state-regulated programs and facilities. The form is a mandatory part of the background check process and helps HHS determine whether a person is eligible to work or serve in sensitive roles involving vulnerable populations.

Purpose of Form 8708

The primary purpose of Form 8708 is to ensure transparency and compliance with Texas laws governing employment and volunteer service in state-supported living centers and related programs. By completing this form, the individual formally discloses their criminal history so that HHS can assess potential risks, legal disqualifications, or contraindications for employment or volunteer placement.

This form is not used to automatically disqualify all individuals with a criminal record. Instead, it allows HHS to evaluate the nature, timing, and relevance of any disclosed offenses.

Who Must Complete This Form

Form 8708 must be completed by individuals involved with specific Texas HHS programs, including:

• Job applicants
• Current employees
• Volunteers
• Interns

The requirement applies to roles connected with:

• State Supported Living Centers (SSLC)
• Rio Grande State Center (ICF/IID component only)
• Regulatory Services
• Trust Fund Monitoring
• Quality Monitoring / Quality Service Review
• Guardianship Services

Legal and Regulatory Background

Texas Health and Human Services is required to conduct criminal history checks under state law for positions that involve care, oversight, or access to vulnerable individuals or sensitive information. These checks rely on Texas Department of Public Safety and FBI fingerprint records, which may include criminal history from other states, federal offenses, or military records.

Form 8708 is mandatory because fingerprint-based background checks often reveal information that may not appear in standard employment screenings. The disclosure requirement ensures consistency between self-reported information and official criminal records.

Explanation of Key Sections

Applicant Status

The form asks the individual to identify their role by selecting one option: applicant, employee, volunteer, or intern. This distinction helps HHS determine how the disclosure will be evaluated and applied.

Program Identification

The individual must specify which HHS program or facility they are associated with. Requirements and restrictions may vary slightly depending on the program.

Criminal History Statement

This is the core section of the form. The individual must indicate whether they have ever experienced any of the following:

• Arrests or pending arrest warrants
• Guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) pleas
• Deferred adjudication
• Convictions
• Probation or community service
• Pending criminal actions

Only routine traffic tickets that did not involve an arrest are excluded from disclosure.

Certification and Signature

By signing the form, the individual certifies that all information provided is complete, true, and correct. This certification carries legal significance.

When You Must Disclose Criminal History

You must disclose criminal history even if:

• The charges were dismissed
• The case resulted in deferred adjudication
• The offense occurred outside Texas
• The incident happened many years ago

You should not submit this form without disclosure if any qualifying incident exists. Omissions are treated as false statements.

When This Form May Not Be Required

Form 8708 is not required for positions outside Texas HHS programs or for roles that do not involve the listed facilities or services. It also does not require disclosure of minor traffic violations that did not result in an arrest.

Common Mistakes Applicants Make

• Failing to disclose deferred adjudication cases
• Assuming out-of-state offenses do not count
• Omitting old or dismissed charges
• Misunderstanding that background checks will reveal undisclosed records
• Signing the certification without reviewing accuracy

Practical Tips for Completing Form 8708

• Review your full criminal history before completing the form
• Disclose all qualifying incidents, even if you believe they are minor
• Be consistent with fingerprint and background check records
• If you answer “Yes,” complete Form 8710 fully and accurately
• Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records

Real-Life Situations Where This Form Is Required

• An applicant seeking employment at a Texas State Supported Living Center
• A volunteer applying to work with Guardianship Services
• An intern joining a Quality Monitoring review team
• An employee transferring to a role that requires a new background check

Documents Commonly Submitted with This Form

• Form 8710, Criminal History Statement (if “Yes” is selected)
• Fingerprinting authorization documents
• Government-issued identification
• Employment or volunteer application materials

Frequently Asked Questions

Does having a criminal record automatically disqualify me?

No. Some offenses may bar employment, while others are evaluated as potential contraindications depending on the role.

Do I need to report offenses from other states?

Yes. Criminal history from other states, federal courts, and the military must be disclosed.

What happens if I fail to disclose information?

Failure to disclose is considered a false statement and may result in denial or termination.

Are dismissed charges required to be reported?

Yes. Dismissed charges and deferred adjudications must still be disclosed.

Do traffic tickets need to be reported?

Routine traffic tickets that did not involve an arrest do not need to be reported.

Micro-FAQ

• Purpose: To disclose criminal history for Texas HHS background checks.
• Who files: Applicants, employees, volunteers, and interns.
• Deadline: At the time of application or role change.
• Attachments: Form 8710 if criminal history exists.
• Submitted to: Texas Health and Human Services.

Related Forms

• Form 8710 – Criminal History Statement
• Fingerprinting Authorization Forms
• Employment and Volunteer Application Forms

Form Details

• Form Name: Criminal History Disclosure
• Form Number: 8708
• Region: Texas
• Issued By: Texas Health and Human Services
• Revision Date: May 2016