Background Checks Persons Who Work With Children

Background checks - access to child abuse and neglect records - individuals who work with children - required fingerprint-based background checks. Current law specifies what entities and agencies have access to child abuse or neglect records and reports. The act adds to that list the department of human services, when requested in writing by an individual to check records or reports of child abuse or neglect for the purpose of screening that individual when such individual's responsibilities include the care of children, treatment of children, supervision of children, or unsupervised contact with children.

The act requires a fingerprint-based criminal history record check for the following:

• Child care center employees under 18 years of age;
• Out-of-state employees working at a child care center in a temporary capacity; and
• All owners, employees, volunteers, and adults residing in a family child care home.
  (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)