0320 Expanded Criminal History Checks

 

Records may be requested on individuals DCF is considering to care for children. Individuals shall have fingerprints taken to access Federal/National records from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  

 

1. Individuals who have lived in Kansas less than 5 years shall have a child abuse and neglect registry check from each state where they have lived within those past 5 years.

Additionally, at the discretion of the Regional DCF Program Administrator, an FBI check may be requested when DCF becomes aware of an incident which occurred that meets:

 

1. have a reported relinquishment/termination of parental rights from out of state, OR,
2. reported convictions of offenses considered prohibitive per KSA 65-516, OR, 3) all references are from out of state.

 

2. DCF staff shall be required to:

Submit a request to the Regional PPS Program Administrator or designee that details the reason for a nationwide background check.

 

If the request is approved, the Regional PPS Program Administrator or designee will provide the staff that made the request with a packet of documents which will need to be completed. The staff shall do the following:

 

1. Provide the individual(s) on which the nationwide background check is being requested with a copy of the letter outlining DCF's authority to obtain a nationwide background check. (See appendix 0A.)
2. Have the individual(s) complete and sign the "DCF Security Clearance Form", PM-6619. This form allows DCF to request a nationwide background check and shall be enclosed in the envelope provided for Law Enforcement agency (maintain a copy for the file).
3. Complete the "Security Clearance Request Form", Form number PM-6620, identifying the Regional PPS Program Administrator or designee as the person to whom results shall be returned. This form shall be enclosed in the envelope provided for Law Enforcement agency (maintain a copy for the file).
4. Provide the individual(s) with a fingerprint card and information detailing process to be followed.
5. Arrange for the fingerprint process and send to DCF Administration Personnel staff who forwards to FBI via KBI.
6. DCF Administration staff will also check child abuse and neglect registries of other states.
7. Results will be shared with the DCF staff who requested the information (this person is designated on the "Security Clearance Request Form", Form number PM-6620).  
8. DCF will be assessed the fees, which can include the costs for the taking of the fingerprints by the Law Enforcement agency and any costs associated with the submission to the FBI by the KBI, for the background checks.

 

3. Examples of circumstances that warrant a nation wide record search:

 

1. Child(ren) is in Police Protective custody, and the family identifies a person(s), who has recently moved to Kansas, who is able to provide care for the child(ren) in the effort to prevent DCF custody.
2. A child who is in DCF custody and placement with a specific relative or non-related kin is being considered, however, the relative or non-related kin has resided in the state for less than 12 months.
3. A child who is not in DCF custody, but the Court is involved in the case, and the court is requesting more information on a potential placement resource for the child.