comprehensive-background-check-in-state

Reason(s) for non-compliance: • The Lead Agency does not require and conduct in-state criminal history background checks with fingerprints for all child care staff members under age 18 (including prospective staff members), as required by 98.43(b)(3)(i), 98.42(b)(2)(i)(B), and 98.43(a). (Plan Questions 5.7.1a and 5.7.1b) • The Lead Agency does not require and conduct in-state sex offender registry checks for all child care staff members under age 18 (including prospective staff members), as required by 98.43(b)(3)(ii), 98.42(b)(2)(i)(B), and 98.43(a). (Plan Questions 5.7.4a and 5.7.4b) • The Lead Agency does not require and conduct child abuse and neglect registry checks for all child care staff members under age 18 (including prospective staff members), as required by 98.43(b)(3)(iii), 98.42(b)(2)(i)(B), and 98.43(a). (Plan Questions 5.7.5a and 5.7.5b) Overall Target Completion Date: 07/31/2026 Action Step Number Action Step Description Target Completion Date 1 As of September 16, 2024, Licensed Child Care Centers received notification removing the age 18 requirement to comply with CCDBG requirements. All child care centers must ensure all center staff, who are or will be working at the center on a regular scheduled basis, including but not limited to sponsors, sponsor representatives and volunteers, obtain a Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) check resulting in a CHRI clearance letter dated January 1, 2021, or after. All center staff includes staff who are under 18 years of age. 10/01/2024 2 The National Center on Subsidy Innovation and Accountability (NCSIA) facilitated a virtual technical assistance (TA) session from September 18￿20, 2024, with New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS), Department of Health, Department of Children and Families (DCF), and NCSIA staff. The TA session assisted New Jersey staff in identifying areas of challenge and mapping the Lead Agency's comprehensive background check process. 10/01/2024 3 To adhere to regulations requiring in-state criminal history background check with fingerprints and sex offender registry check for all child care staff members, including those under the age of 18 (both current and prospective staff members), New Jersey will issue updated notices to all the eligible providers, draft policy, and provide technical assistance to service vendors 07/31/2026 responsible for managing and overseeing the criminal background checks process. Policy will outline the following: • The scope of required checks (state, federal, fingerprinting and registries). • A timeline for initial and periodic checks (every five years as per CCDBG). • Procedures for tracking and securely storing background check results. • Disqualification criteria based on CCDBG and state guidelines. • Clear process for resolving disputes related to background check results. 4 DHS/DFD has been working with essential government partners to collaborate and coordinate efforts to enact regulatory changes. Current policy aligns with New Jersey’s statutes (N.J.S.A. 30:5B-6.10 to 6.17) that require staff members who are 18 or older to complete a CHRI fingerprint background, which includes FBI and state criminal repository, and sex offender registry. New Jersey will initiate regulatory change to require all individuals covered by the CCDF regulation to comply with CCDBG criminal background check requirements. 07/31/2026