IMPORTANT: On July 14, 2021 Governor Parson signed legislation requiring all license-exempt residential care facilities to register with the Department of Social Services (DSS) pursuant to 210.1259 RSMo; and requiring all licensed and license-exempt residential care facilities and child placing agencies to ensure background checks have been completed on all new and current employees, volunteers, and anyone else required by 210.493 RSMo.
Who needs to complete this background check application?
This background check application is ONLY for those requiring a background check under 210.493 RSMo, which is for child placing agencies and residential care facilities. If you need a background check for any other reason, please contact the person or entity requesting the background check for guidance. This background check is for individuals who will work, volunteer, own, or be present at licensed or license-exempt residential care facilities and/or child placing agencies, such as:
- Employees;
- Volunteers with access to children;
- Owners of Licensed-Exempt Residential Care Facilities (LERCFs) and Licensed Residential Care Facility (LRCFs) that will have access to the facilities;
- Owners of LERCFs, LRCSs, and Child Placing Agencies (CPAs) that will have access to children;
- Any person eighteen (18) years of age or older, who resides at or on the property, or who has or may have unsupervised access to children for whom a LERCF provides care; and
- Contractors with unsupervised access to children.
Why do I have to complete a background check?
Missouri law requires all licensed and license-exempt residential care facilities and child placing agencies to ensure background checks are completed on required personnel listed above. For more details read 210.493 RSMo and 13 CSR 35-71.015.
With written consent of the applicant, DSS will send a notice to both the applicant and the facility or agency indicating whether the applicant is eligible or ineligible. It is the responsibility of the facility or agency to ensure all current and perspective employees meet the eligibility requirements. Applicants may be ineligible if they have plead guilty or been found guilty of certain offenses, are registered or required to be registered on a sex offender registry or are listed as a perpetrator of child abuse or neglect on a state’s registry or database.
How do I complete a background check?
NOTE: Please complete the steps below to complete your background check, If you have any issues, you can email cd.screen@dss.mo.gov and ask that an application be mailed to you.
1
Apply
To apply for a background check, complete the DSS application for a background check and upload all required documents.
2
Fingerprint or Name-Based Checks
- Once you submit your DSS background check application, DSS will send you further instructions on how to get a fingerprint or name-based check from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
- WARNING: Fingerprint and name-based checks completed prior to the date your application is approved will not be accepted. You will be asked to complete this needed background screening again.
3
Child Abuse\Neglect (CA\N) Checks
- You must register with the Family Care Safety Registry (FCSR) to complete a Missouri CA\N check.
- If you are already registered with FCSR, you do not have to register again.
- Note: Some applicants will need to complete the Out-of-State child abuse and neglect background check if they live or have lived outside of Missouri in the last 5 years
NOTE: You will receive a notice from DSS letting you know if you are eligible or ineligible. Please save these results for your records.
Do I have to pay for my background check?
Any fees and costs related to background checks are the responsibility of the applicant, LRCF, LERCF, or CPA. Please talk to the facility or agency to find out who is responsible for payment before you do your background check.
What if I disagree with the results?
If your notice states that you are ineligible, you may file a written request for an administrative review within 14 days of the mailing of the decision.
How long are background checks good for?
Background checks are valid for five years from the date the fingerprints were taken, or until there is any change in the circumstances of the applicants that would make them ineligible, whichever occurs first. To avoid lapses in eligibility, applicants must complete the background check process again prior to their previous decision expiring.
What if I commit an offense after my background check?
Once you get a background check, you are legally required to notify DSS if you plead guilty or are found guilty of certain offenses , are registered or required to be registered on a sex offender registry, or are listed as a perpetrator of child abuse or neglect on a state’s registry or database. Failure to report this could disqualify you from employment or presence at the facility or agency.
Questions?
If you need more information or have additional questions, please review the Background checks FAQs or email us at cd.screen@dss.mo.gov..