comprehensive-background-check-background-check-processes

Reason(s) for non-compliance: • The Lead Agency background check appeals process does not provide the affected child care staff member with a notice of the opportunity to appeal or instructions on how to complete the appeals process, does not attempt to verify the accuracy of the information challenged by the child care staff member, and does not complete the appeals process in a timely manner, respond with a written notice of the decision, or coordinate with other agencies in charge of background checks, as required by 98.43(e)(3) and 98.43(a)(1). (Plan Questions 5.7.11i, 5.7.11ii, 5.7.11iii, 5.7.11iv, 5.7.11v, and 5.7.11vi) • The Lead Agency does not ensure background checks are completed within 45 days of the request, as required by 98.43(e)(1). (Plan Question 5.7.13a) • The Lead Agency does not respond to other states’ requests for interstate criminal history, Sex Offender Registry, and Child Abuse and Neglect Registry background checks, as required by 98.43(a)(1)(iii). (Plan Question 5.7.14b) • The Lead Agency does not conduct background checks when a provider is separated from employment for more than 180 consecutive days, as required by 98.43(d)(3)(iii). (Plan Question 5.7.17) Overall Target Completion Date: 10/31/2026 Action Step Number Action Step Description Target Completion Date 1 Convene Department leads, including legislative service, procurement, IT, fiscal, provider network to review current and future state of CCDBG background checks compliance, outlining next steps for IT solutions and solutions requiring legislative change or interagency partnerships. 02/28/2025 2 Identify staffing plan to hire full time positions to oversee provider network support, including background checks, post positions, and hire staff. 03/31/2025 3 Review IT project plan and business requirements for vendor to build out the child care portion of the Department’s centralized background check portal, and procure vendor. Determine if there is an IT solution for vendor to build out the requests from other states to submit to the Department’s centralized background check portal, and add to procurement request. 06/30/2025 4 Fully onboard new staff to support background check portal and provider network support. Staff will also support other states’ requests for interstate criminal history, Sex Offender Registry, and Child Abuse and Neglect Registry background checks. 06/30/2025 5 Submit SFY26 Legislative proposal for changes needed to level one fingerprint clearance card, including any budgetary requests if applicable, to comply with CCDBG requirements and submit for approval 09/30/2025 6 Launch child care expansion in background check portal 07/31/2026 7 Pending legislative and interagency law enforcement approval, implement changes for level one fingerprint clearance card and NSOR background checks 10/31/2026 8 Submit State Plan amendment 10/31/2026