5.7 Comprehensive Background Checks

Lead Agencies must conduct comprehensive background checks for all child care staff members (including prospective staff members) of all child care providers that are (1) licensed, regulated, or registered under State/Territory law, regardless of whether they receive CCDF funds; or (2) all other child care providers eligible to deliver CCDF services (e.g., license-exempt CCDF eligible child care providers). Family child care home providers must also submit background check requests for all household members age 18 or older. A comprehensive background check must include: three in-state checks, two national checks, and three interstate checks if the individual resided in another State or Territory in the preceding 5 years. The background check components must be completed at least once every five years. All child care staff members must receive a qualifying result from either the FBI criminal background check or an in-state fingerprint criminal history check before working (under supervision) with or near children. Lead Agencies must apply a CCDF-specific list of disqualifying crimes for child care providers serving families participating in CCDF. These background check requirements do not apply to individuals who are related to all children for whom child care services are provided. Exemptions for relative providers will be addressed in subsection 5.8. 5.7.1 In-state criminal history check with fingerprints a. Does the Lead Agency conduct in-state criminal history background checks with fingerprints for all child care staff members (including prospective staff members) of licensed, regulated, or registered child care providers, regardless of CCDF participation? [ ] Yes. [x] No. If no, describe any categories of licensed, regulated, or registered child care providers for whom you do not conduct in-state criminal background checks with fingerprints. A preliminary notice was issued in January 2023, informing that New Jersey’s Lead Agency does not have requirements in place to conduct FBI Fingerprint checks of staff under the age of 18 years old at Licensed Child Care Centers and Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(1); and has not met in-state and interstate searches of the State Criminal Repository, State Sex Offender Registry, and State-based Child Abuse and Neglect Registry and Database for staff under the age of 18 years old at Licensed Child Care Centers and Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(3). Additionally, New Jersey does not have requirements in place to conduct NCIC NSOR name-based background checks for staff under the age of 18 years old at Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(2). To comply with these regulations, New Jersey need additional time to issue updated notices to all the eligible providers, draft policy, and provide technical assistance to service vendors responsible for managing and overseeing the criminal background checks process. 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 be publishing new policy, (within the next three months) to require all individuals covered by the CCDF regulation to comply with CCDBG criminal background check requirements. Prior to releasing this updated, policy, a notice is scheduled to be released by the end of September 2024, informing providers of the applicability of the background check requirement to staff under the age of 18. Additionally, the inspection report used for summer youth camps that receive CCDF assistance payments has been updated to include inspection for these background check results for all staff members, regardless of age. New Jersey anticipates that formal, written policy will be finalized and released in December 2024; followed by scheduled technical assistance and trainings to CCR&R staff January 2025, and provider information sessions in February and March 2025. b. Does the Lead Agency conduct in-state criminal history background checks with fingerprints for all child care staff members (including prospective staff members) of all other child care providers eligible for CCDF participation (i.e., license-exempt providers) other than relative providers? [ ] Yes. [x] No. If no, describe any categories of child care providers eligible for CCDF participation for whom you do not conduct in-state criminal background checks with fingerprints. A preliminary notice was issued in January 2023, informing that New Jersey’s Lead Agency does not have requirements in place to conduct FBI Fingerprint checks of staff under the age of 18 years old at Licensed Child Care Centers and Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(1); and has not met in-state and interstate searches of the State Criminal Repository, State Sex Offender Registry, and State-based Child Abuse and Neglect Registry and Database for staff under the age of 18 years old at Licensed Child Care Centers and Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(3). Additionally, New Jersey does not have requirements in place to conduct NCIC NSOR name-based background checks for staff under the age of 18 years old at Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(2). To comply with these regulations, New Jersey need additional time to issue updated notices to all the eligible providers, draft policy, and provide technical assistance to service vendors responsible for managing and overseeing the criminal background checks process. 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 be publishing new policy, (within the next three months) to require all individuals covered by the CCDF regulation to comply with CCDBG criminal background check requirements. Prior to releasing this updated, policy, a notice is scheduled to be released by the end of September 2024, informing providers of the applicability of the background check requirement to staff under the age of 18. Additionally, the inspection report used for summer youth camps that receive CCDF assistance payments has been updated to include inspection for these background check results for all staff members, regardless of age. New Jersey anticipates that formal, written policy will be finalized and released in December 2024; followed by scheduled technical assistance and trainings to CCR&R staff January 2025, and provider information sessions in February and March 2025. c. Does the Lead Agency conduct the in-state criminal background check with fingerprints for all individuals age 18 or older who reside in a family child care home? [x] Yes. [ ] No. If no, describe individuals age 18 or older who reside in a family child care home who do not receive an in-state criminal background check with fingerprints. 5.7.2 National Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) criminal history check with fingerprints a. Does the Lead Agency conduct FBI criminal history background checks with fingerprints for all child care staff members (including prospective staff members) of licensed, regulated, or registered child care providers, regardless of CCDF participation? [ ] Yes. [x] No. If no, describe any categories of licensed, regulated, or registered child care providers for whom you do not conduct FBI criminal background checks with fingerprints. A preliminary notice was issued in January 2023, informing that New Jersey’s Lead Agency does not have requirements in place to conduct FBI Fingerprint checks of staff under the age of 18 years old at Licensed Child Care Centers and Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(1); and has not met in-state and interstate searches of the State Criminal Repository, State Sex Offender Registry, and State-based Child Abuse and Neglect Registry and Database for staff under the age of 18 years old at Licensed Child Care Centers and Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(3). Additionally, New Jersey does not have requirements in place to conduct NCIC NSOR name-based background checks for staff under the age of 18 years old at Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(2). To comply with these regulations, New Jersey need additional time to issue updated notices to all the eligible providers, draft policy, and provide technical assistance to service vendors responsible for managing and overseeing the criminal background checks process. 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 be publishing new policy, (within the next three months) to require all individuals covered by the CCDF regulation to comply with CCDBG criminal background check requirements. Prior to releasing this updated, policy, a notice is scheduled to be released by the end of September 2024, informing providers of the applicability of the background check requirement to staff under the age of 18. Additionally, the inspection report used for summer youth camps that receive CCDF assistance payments has been updated to include inspection for these background check results for all staff members, regardless of age. New Jersey anticipates that formal, written policy will be finalized and released in December 2024; followed by scheduled technical assistance and trainings to CCR&R staff January 2025, and provider information sessions in February and March 2025. b. Does the Lead Agency conduct FBI criminal history background checks with fingerprints for all child care staff members (including prospective staff members) of all other child care providers eligible for CCDF participation (i.e., license-exempt providers)? [ ] Yes. [x] No. If no, describe any categories of child care providers eligible for CCDF participation for whom you do not conduct FBI criminal background checks. A preliminary notice was issued in January 2023, informing that New Jersey’s Lead Agency does not have requirements in place to conduct FBI Fingerprint checks of staff under the age of 18 years old at Licensed Child Care Centers and Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(1); and has not met in-state and interstate searches of the State Criminal Repository, State Sex Offender Registry, and State-based Child Abuse and Neglect Registry and Database for staff under the age of 18 years old at Licensed Child Care Centers and Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(3). Additionally, New Jersey does not have requirements in place to conduct NCIC NSOR name-based background checks for staff under the age of 18 years old at Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(2). To comply with these regulations, New Jersey need additional time to issue updated notices to all the eligible providers, draft policy, and provide technical assistance to service vendors responsible for managing and overseeing the criminal background checks process. 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 be publishing new policy, (within the next three months) to require all individuals covered by the CCDF regulation to comply with CCDBG criminal background check requirements. Prior to releasing this updated, policy, a notice is scheduled to be released by the end of September 2024, informing providers of the applicability of the background check requirement to staff under the age of 18. Additionally, the inspection report used for summer youth camps that receive CCDF assistance payments has been updated to include inspection for these background check results for all staff members, regardless of age. New Jersey anticipates that formal, written policy will be finalized and released in December 2024; followed by scheduled technical assistance and trainings to CCR&R staff January 2025, and provider information sessions in February and March 2025. c. Does the Lead Agency conduct the FBI criminal background check with fingerprints for all individuals age 18 or older who reside in a family child care home? [x] Yes. [ ] No. If no, describe individuals age 18 or older who reside in a family child care home who do not receive an FBI criminal background check with fingerprints. 5.7.3 National Crime Information Center (NCIC) National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) name-based check The majority of NCIC NSOR records are fingerprint records and are automatically included in the FBI fingerprint criminal background check. But a small percentage of NCIC NSOR records are only name-based records and must be accessed through the required name-based search of the NCIC NSOR. a. Does the Lead Agency conduct NCIC NSOR name-based background checks for all child care staff members (including prospective staff members) of licensed, regulated, or registered child care providers, regardless of CCDF participation? [x] Yes. [ ] No. If no, describe any categories of licensed, regulated, or registered child care providers for whom you do not conduct NCIC NSOR name-based background checks. b. Does the Lead Agency conduct NCIC NSOR name-based background checks for all child care staff members (including prospective staff members) of all other child care providers eligible for CCDF participation (i.e., license-exempt providers)? [ ] Yes. [x] No. If no, describe any categories of child care providers eligible for CCDF participation for whom you do not conduct NCIC NSOR name-based background checks. A preliminary notice was issued in January 2023, informing that New Jersey’s Lead Agency does not have requirements in place to conduct FBI Fingerprint checks of staff under the age of 18 years old at Licensed Child Care Centers and Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(1); and has not met in-state and interstate searches of the State Criminal Repository, State Sex Offender Registry, and State-based Child Abuse and Neglect Registry and Database for staff under the age of 18 years old at Licensed Child Care Centers and Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(3). Additionally, New Jersey does not have requirements in place to conduct NCIC NSOR name-based background checks for staff under the age of 18 years old at Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(2). To comply with these regulations, New Jersey need additional time to issue updated notices to all the eligible providers, draft policy, and provide technical assistance to service vendors responsible for managing and overseeing the criminal background checks process. 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 be publishing new policy, (within the next three months) to require all individuals covered by the CCDF regulation to comply with CCDBG criminal background check requirements. Prior to releasing this updated, policy, a notice is scheduled to be released by the end of September 2024, informing providers of the applicability of the background check requirement to staff under the age of 18. Additionally, the inspection report used for summer youth camps that receive CCDF assistance payments has been updated to include inspection for these background check results for all staff members, regardless of age. New Jersey anticipates that formal, written policy will be finalized and released in December 2024; followed by scheduled technical assistance and trainings to CCR&R staff January 2025, and provider information sessions in February and March 2025. c. Does the Lead Agency conduct the NCIC NSOR name-based background check for all individuals age 18 or older who reside in a family child care home? [x] Yes. [ ] No. If no, describe individuals age 18 or older who reside in a family child care home who do not receive a NCIC NSOR name-based background check. 5.7.4 In-state sex offender registry (SOR) check a. Does the Lead Agency conduct in-state SOR checks for all child care staff members (including prospective staff members) of licensed, regulated, or registered child care providers, regardless of CCDF participation? [ ] Yes. [x] No. If no, describe any categories of licensed, regulated, or registered child care providers for whom you do not conduct in-state SOR background checks. A preliminary notice was issued in January 2023, informing that New Jersey’s Lead Agency does not have requirements in place to conduct FBI Fingerprint checks of staff under the age of 18 years old at Licensed Child Care Centers and Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(1); and has not met in-state and interstate searches of the State Criminal Repository, State Sex Offender Registry, and State-based Child Abuse and Neglect Registry and Database for staff under the age of 18 years old at Licensed Child Care Centers and Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(3). Additionally, New Jersey does not have requirements in place to conduct NCIC NSOR name-based background checks for staff under the age of 18 years old at Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(2). To comply with these regulations, New Jersey need additional time to issue updated notices to all the eligible providers, draft policy, and provide technical assistance to service vendors responsible for managing and overseeing the criminal background checks process. 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 be publishing new policy, (within the next three months) to require all individuals covered by the CCDF regulation to comply with CCDBG criminal background check requirements. Prior to releasing this updated, policy, a notice is scheduled to be released by the end of September 2024, informing providers of the applicability of the background check requirement to staff under the age of 18. Additionally, the inspection report used for summer youth camps that receive CCDF assistance payments has been updated to include inspection for these background check results for all staff members, regardless of age. New Jersey anticipates that formal, written policy will be finalized and released in December 2024; followed by scheduled technical assistance and trainings to CCR&R staff January 2025, and provider information sessions in February and March 2025. b. Does the Lead Agency conduct in-state SOR background checks for all child care staff members (including prospective staff members) of all other child care providers eligible for CCDF participation (i.e., license-exempt providers)? [ ] Yes. [x] No. If no, describe any categories of child care providers eligible for CCDF participation for whom you do not conduct in-state SOR background checks. A preliminary notice was issued in January 2023, informing that New Jersey’s Lead Agency does not have requirements in place to conduct FBI Fingerprint checks of staff under the age of 18 years old at Licensed Child Care Centers and Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(1); and has not met in-state and interstate searches of the State Criminal Repository, State Sex Offender Registry, and State-based Child Abuse and Neglect Registry and Database for staff under the age of 18 years old at Licensed Child Care Centers and Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(3). Additionally, New Jersey does not have requirements in place to conduct NCIC NSOR name-based background checks for staff under the age of 18 years old at Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(2). To comply with these regulations, New Jersey need additional time to issue updated notices to all the eligible providers, draft policy, and provide technical assistance to service vendors responsible for managing and overseeing the criminal background checks process. 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 be publishing new policy, (within the next three months) to require all individuals covered by the CCDF regulation to comply with CCDBG criminal background check requirements. Prior to releasing this updated, policy, a notice is scheduled to be released by the end of September 2024, informing providers of the applicability of the background check requirement to staff under the age of 18. Additionally, the inspection report used for summer youth camps that receive CCDF assistance payments has been updated to include inspection for these background check results for all staff members, regardless of age. New Jersey anticipates that formal, written policy will be finalized and released in December 2024; followed by scheduled technical assistance and trainings to CCR&R staff January 2025, and provider information sessions in February and March 2025. c. Does the Lead Agency conduct the in-state SOR background check for all individuals age 18 or older who reside in a family child care home? [x] Yes. [ ] No. If no, describe individuals age 18 or older who reside in a family child care home who do not receive an in-state SOR background check. 5.7.5 In-state child abuse and neglect (CAN) registry check a. Does the Lead Agency conduct CAN registry checks for all child care staff members (including prospective staff members) of licensed, regulated, or registered child care providers, regardless of CCDF participation? [ ] Yes. [x] No. If no, describe any categories of licensed, regulated, or registered child care providers for whom you do not conduct CAN registry checks. A preliminary notice was issued in January 2023, informing that New Jersey’s Lead Agency does not have requirements in place to conduct FBI Fingerprint checks of staff under the age of 18 years old at Licensed Child Care Centers and Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(1); and has not met in-state and interstate searches of the State Criminal Repository, State Sex Offender Registry, and State-based Child Abuse and Neglect Registry and Database for staff under the age of 18 years old at Licensed Child Care Centers and Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(3). Additionally, New Jersey does not have requirements in place to conduct NCIC NSOR name-based background checks for staff under the age of 18 years old at Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(2). To comply with these regulations, New Jersey need additional time to issue updated notices to all the eligible providers, draft policy, and provide technical assistance to service vendors responsible for managing and overseeing the criminal background checks process. 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 be publishing new policy, (within the next three months) to require all individuals covered by the CCDF regulation to comply with CCDBG criminal background check requirements. Prior to releasing this updated, policy, a notice is scheduled to be released by the end of September 2024, informing providers of the applicability of the background check requirement to staff under the age of 18. Additionally, the inspection report used for summer youth camps that receive CCDF assistance payments has been updated to include inspection for these background check results for all staff members, regardless of age. New Jersey anticipates that formal, written policy will be finalized and released in December 2024; followed by scheduled technical assistance and trainings to CCR&R staff January 2025, and provider information sessions in February and March 2025. b. Does the Lead Agency conduct CAN registry checks for all child care staff members (including prospective staff members) of all other child care providers eligible for CCDF participation (i.e., license-exempt providers)? [ ] Yes. [x] No. If no, describe any categories of child care providers eligible for CCDF participation for whom you do not conduct CAN registry checks. A preliminary notice was issued in January 2023, informing that New Jersey’s Lead Agency does not have requirements in place to conduct FBI Fingerprint checks of staff under the age of 18 years old at Licensed Child Care Centers and Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(1); and has not met in-state and interstate searches of the State Criminal Repository, State Sex Offender Registry, and State-based Child Abuse and Neglect Registry and Database for staff under the age of 18 years old at Licensed Child Care Centers and Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(3). Additionally, New Jersey does not have requirements in place to conduct NCIC NSOR name-based background checks for staff under the age of 18 years old at Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(2). To comply with these regulations, New Jersey need additional time to issue updated notices to all the eligible providers, draft policy, and provide technical assistance to service vendors responsible for managing and overseeing the criminal background checks process. 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 be publishing new policy, (within the next three months) to require all individuals covered by the CCDF regulation to comply with CCDBG criminal background check requirements. Prior to releasing this updated, policy, a notice is scheduled to be released by the end of September 2024, informing providers of the applicability of the background check requirement to staff under the age of 18. Additionally, the inspection report used for summer youth camps that receive CCDF assistance payments has been updated to include inspection for these background check results for all staff members, regardless of age. New Jersey anticipates that formal, written policy will be finalized and released in December 2024; followed by scheduled technical assistance and trainings to CCR&R staff January 2025, and provider information sessions in February and March 2025. c. Does the Lead Agency conduct the CAN registry check for all individuals age 18 or older who reside in a family child care home? [x] Yes. [ ] No. If no, describe individuals age 18 or older who reside in a family child care home who do not receive a CAN registry check. 5.7.6 Interstate criminal history check These questions refer to requirements for a Lead Agency to conduct an interstate check for a child care staff member (including prospective child care staff members) who currently lives in their State or Territory but has lived in another State, Territory, or Tribal land within the previous 5 years. a. Does the Lead Agency conduct interstate criminal history background checks for any staff member (or prospective staff member) who resided in other state(s) in the past 5 years of licensed, regulated, or registered child care providers, regardless of CCDF participation? [x] Yes. [ ] No. If no, describe any categories of licensed, regulated, or registered child care providers for whom you do not conduct interstate criminal history background checks. b. Does the Lead Agency conduct interstate criminal history background checks for any staff member (or prospective staff member) who resided in other state(s) in the past 5 years eligible for CCDF participation (i.e., license-exempt providers)? [ ] Yes. [x] No. If no, describe any categories of child care providers eligible for CCDF participation for whom you do not conduct interstate criminal history background checks. A preliminary notice was issued in January 2023, informing that New Jersey’s Lead Agency does not have requirements in place to conduct FBI Fingerprint checks of staff under the age of 18 years old at Licensed Child Care Centers and Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(1); and has not met in-state and interstate searches of the State Criminal Repository, State Sex Offender Registry, and State-based Child Abuse and Neglect Registry and Database for staff under the age of 18 years old at Licensed Child Care Centers and Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(3). Additionally, New Jersey does not have requirements in place to conduct NCIC NSOR name-based background checks for staff under the age of 18 years old at Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(2). To comply with these regulations, New Jersey need additional time to issue updated notices to all the eligible providers, draft policy, and provide technical assistance to service vendors responsible for managing and overseeing the criminal background checks process. 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 be publishing new policy, (within the next three months) to require all individuals covered by the CCDF regulation to comply with CCDBG criminal background check requirements. Prior to releasing this updated, policy, a notice is scheduled to be released by the end of September 2024, informing providers of the applicability of the background check requirement to staff under the age of 18. Additionally, the inspection report used for summer youth camps that receive CCDF assistance payments has been updated to include inspection for these background check results for all staff members, regardless of age. New Jersey anticipates that formal, written policy will be finalized and released in December 2024; followed by scheduled technical assistance and trainings to CCR&R staff January 2025, and provider information sessions in February and March 2025. c. Does the Lead Agency conduct interstate criminal history background checks for all individuals age 18 or older who reside in a family child care home and resided in other state(s) in the past 5 years. [x] Yes. [ ] No. If no, describe why individuals age 18 or older that resided in other state(s) in the past 5 years who reside in a family child care home that do not receive an interstate criminal history background check. 5.7.7 Interstate Sex Offender Registry (SOR) check These questions refer to requirements for a Lead Agency to conduct an interstate check for a child care staff member (including prospective child care staff members) who currently lives in their State or Territory but has lived in another State, Territory, or Tribal land within the previous 5 years. a. Does the Lead Agency conduct interstate SOR checks for any staff member (or prospective staff member) who resided in other state(s) in the past 5 years of licensed, regulated, or registered child care providers, regardless of CCDF participation? [x] Yes. [ ] No. If no, describe any categories of licensed, regulated, or registered child care providers for whom you do not conduct interstate SOR checks. b. Does the Lead Agency conduct interstate SOR checks for any staff member (or prospective staff member) who resided in other state(s) in the past 5 years eligible for CCDF participation (i.e., license-exempt providers)? [ ] Yes. [x] No. If no, describe any categories of child care providers eligible for CCDF participation for whom you do not conduct interstate SOR checks. A preliminary notice was issued in January 2023, informing that New Jersey’s Lead Agency does not have requirements in place to conduct FBI Fingerprint checks of staff under the age of 18 years old at Licensed Child Care Centers and Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(1); and has not met in-state and interstate searches of the State Criminal Repository, State Sex Offender Registry, and State-based Child Abuse and Neglect Registry and Database for staff under the age of 18 years old at Licensed Child Care Centers and Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(3). Additionally, New Jersey does not have requirements in place to conduct NCIC NSOR name-based background checks for staff under the age of 18 years old at Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(2). To comply with these regulations, New Jersey need additional time to issue updated notices to all the eligible providers, draft policy, and provide technical assistance to service vendors responsible for managing and overseeing the criminal background checks process. 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 be publishing new policy, (within the next three months) to require all individuals covered by the CCDF regulation to comply with CCDBG criminal background check requirements. Prior to releasing this updated, policy, a notice is scheduled to be released by the end of September 2024, informing providers of the applicability of the background check requirement to staff under the age of 18. Additionally, the inspection report used for summer youth camps that receive CCDF assistance payments has been updated to include inspection for these background check results for all staff members, regardless of age. New Jersey anticipates that formal, written policy will be finalized and released in December 2024; followed by scheduled technical assistance and trainings to CCR&R staff January 2025, and provider information sessions in February and March 2025. c. Does the Lead Agency conduct the interstate SOR checks for all individuals age 18 or older who resided in other state(s) in the past 5 years who reside in a family child care home? [x] Yes. [ ] No. If no, describe individuals age 18 or older that resided in other state(s) in the past 5 years who reside in a family child care home that do not receive an interstate SOR check. 5.7.8 Interstate child abuse and neglect (CAN) registry check These questions refer to requirements for a Lead Agency to conduct an interstate check for a child care staff member (including prospective child care staff members) who currently lives in their State or Territory but has lived in another State, Territory, or Tribal land within the previous 5 years. a. Does the Lead Agency conduct interstate CAN registry checks for any staff member (or prospective staff member) that resided in other state(s) in the past 5 years of licensed, regulated, or registered child care providers, regardless of CCDF participation? [x] Yes. [ ] No. If no, describe any categories of licensed, regulated, or registered child care providers for whom you do not conduct interstate CAN registry checks. b. Does the Lead Agency conduct interstate CAN registry checks for any staff member (or prospective staff member) who resided in other state(s) in the past 5 years eligible for CCDF participation (i.e., license-exempt providers)? [ ] Yes. [x] No. If no, describe any categories of child care providers eligible for CCDF participation for whom you do not conduct interstate CAN registry checks. A preliminary notice was issued in January 2023, informing that New Jersey’s Lead Agency does not have requirements in place to conduct FBI Fingerprint checks of staff under the age of 18 years old at Licensed Child Care Centers and Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(1); and has not met in-state and interstate searches of the State Criminal Repository, State Sex Offender Registry, and State-based Child Abuse and Neglect Registry and Database for staff under the age of 18 years old at Licensed Child Care Centers and Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(3). Additionally, New Jersey does not have requirements in place to conduct NCIC NSOR name-based background checks for staff under the age of 18 years old at Summer Youth Camps in accordance with 45 CFR 98.43(b)(2). To comply with these regulations, New Jersey need additional time to issue updated notices to all the eligible providers, draft policy, and provide technical assistance to service vendors responsible for managing and overseeing the criminal background checks process. 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 be publishing new policy, (within the next three months) to require all individuals covered by the CCDF regulation to comply with CCDBG criminal background check requirements. Prior to releasing this updated, policy, a notice is scheduled to be released by the end of September 2024, informing providers of the applicability of the background check requirement to staff under the age of 18. Additionally, the inspection report used for summer youth camps that receive CCDF assistance payments has been updated to include inspection for these background check results for all staff members, regardless of age. New Jersey anticipates that formal, written policy will be finalized and released in December 2024; followed by scheduled technical assistance and trainings to CCR&R staff January 2025, and provider information sessions in February and March 2025. c. Does the Lead Agency conduct the interstate CAN registry checks for all individuals age 18 or older who resided in other state(s) in the past 5 years who reside in a family child care home? [x] Yes. [ ] No. If no, describe individuals age 18 or older that resided in other state(s) in the past 5 years who reside in a family child care home that do not receive interstate CAN registry checks. 5.7.9 Disqualifications for child care employment The Lead Agency must prohibit employment of individuals with child care providers receiving CCDF subsidy payment if they meet any of the following disqualifying criteria: • Refused to consent to a background check. • Knowingly made materially false statements in connection with the background check. • Are registered, or are required to be registered, on the State/Territory sex offender registry or repository or the National Sex Offender Registry. • Have been convicted of a felony consisting of murder, child abuse or neglect, crimes against children (including child pornography), spousal abuse, crimes involving rape or sexual assault, kidnapping, arson, physical assault, or battery. • Have a violent misdemeanor committed as an adult against a child, including the following crimes: child abuse, child endangerment, sexual assault, or any misdemeanor involving child pornography. • Convicted of a felony consisting of a drug-related offense committed during the preceding 5 years. a. Does the Lead Agency disqualify the employment of child care staff members (including prospective staff members) by child care providers receiving CCDF subsidy payment for CCDF-identified disqualifying criteria? [x] Yes. [ ] No. If no, describe the disqualifying criteria: b. Does the Lead Agency use the same criteria for licensed, regulated, and registered child care providers regardless of CCDF participation? [x] Yes. [ ] No. If no, describe any disqualifying criteria used for licensed, regulated, and registered child care providers: c. How does the Lead Agency use results from the in-state child abuse and neglect registry check? [ ] Does not use them to disqualify employment. [x] Uses them to disqualify employment. If checked, describe: New Jersey’s Department of Children and Families, CARI Unit receives the CARI check applications from the applicants. The CARI Unit makes a determination if the individual is Cleared or Not Cleared and reports this information. These results are then provided to the appropriate entity (License Center owner/director for licensed centers, CCR&R for family child care and approved homes). If a Not Cleared response is returned for an applicant, they are disqualified from employment. d. How does the Lead Agency use results from the interstate child abuse and neglect registry check? [ ] Does not use them to disqualify employment. [x] Uses them to disqualify employment. If checked, describe: If a prospective employee has lived in another state within the past five years, that state is contacted to obtain a child abuse and neglect registry check. If the results obtained show a disqualifying result, the prospective employee is notified of the disqualification. 5.7.10 Privacy Lead Agencies must ensure the privacy of a prospective staff member by notifying child care providers of the individual’s eligibility or ineligibility for child care employment based on the results of the comprehensive background check without revealing any documentation of criminal history or disqualifying crimes or other related information regarding the individual. Does the Lead Agency certify they ensure the privacy of child care staff members (including prospective child care staff member) when providing the results of the comprehensive background check? [x] Yes. [ ] No. If no, describe the current process of notification: 5.7.11 Appeals processes for background checks Lead Agencies must provide for a process that allows child care provider staff members (and prospective staff members) to appeal the results of a background check to challenge the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in the individual’s background check report. Does the appeals process: i. Provide the affected individual with information related to each disqualifying crime in a report, along with information/notice on the opportunity to appeal. [x] Yes. [ ] No. Describe: ii. Provide the affected individual with clear instructions about how to complete the appeals process for each background check component if they wish to challenge the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in such individual’s background report. [x] Yes. [ ] No. Describe: iii. Ensure the Lead Agency attempts to verify the accuracy of the information challenged by the individual, including making an effort to locate any missing disposition information related to the disqualifying crime. [x] Yes. [ ] No. Describe: iv. Get completed in a timely manner. [x] Yes. [ ] No. Describe: v. Ensure the affected individual receives written notice of the decision. In the case of a negative determination, the decision must indicate (1) the Lead Agency’s efforts to verify the accuracy of information challenged by the individual, (2) any additional appeals rights available to the individual, and (3) information on how the individual can correct the federal or State records at issue in the case. [x] Yes. [ ] No. Describe: vi. Facilitate coordination between the Lead Agency and other agencies in charge of background check information and results (such as the Child Welfare office and the State Identification Bureau), to ensure the appeals process is conducted in accordance with the Act. [x] Yes. [ ] No. Describe: 5.7.12 Provisional hiring of prospective staff members Lead Agencies must at least complete and receive a qualifying result for either the FBI criminal background check or a fingerprint-based in-state criminal background check where the individual resides before prospective staff members may provide services or be in the vicinity of children. Until all the background check components have been completed, the prospective staff member must be supervised at all times by someone who has already received a qualifying result on a background check within the past five years. Check all background checks for which the Lead Agency requires a qualifying result before a prospective child care staff member begins work with children. a. FBI criminal background check. [ ] Yes. [x] No. If no, describe: DHS/DFD is working with DCF to update the rules. N.J.A.C. 3A:52 needs to be amended to align with CCDF rules. State regulations for centers allow a period of up to two weeks after new staff begin to complete all background check components. Staff must be supervised and not left alone to supervise children. b. In-state criminal background check with fingerprints. [ ] Yes. [x] No. If no, describe: DHS/DFD is working with DCF to update the rules. N.J.A.C. 3A:52 needs to be amended to align with CCDF rules. State regulations for centers, allow a period of up to two weeks after new staff begin to complete all background check components. Staff must be supervised and not left alone to supervise children. c. In-state Sex Offender Registry. [ ] Yes. [x] No. If no, describe: DHS/DFD is working with DCF to update the rules. N.J.A.C. 3A:52 needs to be amended to align with CCDF rules. State regulations for centers, allow a period of up to two weeks after new staff begin to complete all background check components. Staff must be supervised and not left alone to supervise children. d. In-state child abuse and neglect registry. [ ] Yes. [x] No. If no, describe: DHS/DFD is working with DCF to update the rules. N.J.A.C. 3A:52 needs to be amended to align with CCDF rules. State regulations for centers, allow a period of up to two weeks after new staff begin to complete all background check components. Staff must be supervised and not left alone to supervise children. e. Name-based national Sex Offender Registry (NCIC NSOR). [ ] Yes. [x] No. If no, describe: DHS/DFD is working with DCF to update the rules. N.J.A.C. 3A:52 needs to be amended to align with CCDF rules. State regulations for centers, allow a period of up to two weeks after new staff begin to complete all background check components. Staff must be supervised and not left alone to supervise children. f. Interstate criminal background check, as applicable. [ ] Yes. [x] No. If no, describe: DHS/DFD is working with DCF to update the rules. N.J.A.C. 3A:52 needs to be amended to align with CCDF rules. State regulations for centers, allow a period of up to two weeks after new staff begin to complete all background check components. Staff must be supervised and not left alone to supervise children. g. Interstate Sex Offender Registry check, as applicable. [ ] Yes. [x] No. If no, describe: DHS/DFD is working with DCF to update the rules. N.J.A.C. 3A:52 needs to be amended to align with CCDF rules. State regulations for centers, allow a period of up to two weeks after new staff begin to complete all background check components. Staff must be supervised and not left alone to supervise children. h. Interstate child abuse and neglect registry check, as applicable. [ ] Yes. [x] No. If no, describe: DHS/DFD is working with DCF to update the rules. N.J.A.C. 3A:52 needs to be amended to align with CCDF rules. State regulations for centers, allow a period of up to two weeks after new staff begin to complete all background check components. Staff must be supervised and not left alone to supervise children. i. Does the Lead Agency require provisional hires to be supervised by a staff member who received a qualifying result on the comprehensive background check while awaiting results from the provisional hire’s full comprehensive background check? [x] Yes. [ ] No. If no, describe: 5.7.13 Completing the criminal background check within a 45-day timeframe The Lead Agency must carry out a request from a child care provider for a criminal background check as expeditiously as possible, and no more than 45 days after the date on which the provider submitted the request a. Does the Lead Agency ensure background checks are completed within 45 days (after the date on which the provider submits the request)? [x] Yes. [ ] No. If no, describe the timeline for completion for categories of providers, including which background check components take more than 45 days. b. Does the Lead Agency ensure child care staff receive a comprehensive background check when they work in your State but reside in a different State? [x] Yes. [ ] No. If no, describe the current policy: 5.7.14 Responses to interstate background check requests Lead Agencies must respond as expeditiously as possible to requests for interstate background checks from other States/Territories/Tribes in order to meet the 45-day timeframe. a. Does your State participate in the National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact or National Fingerprint File programs? [x] Yes. [ ] No. b. Describe how the State/Territory responds to interstate criminal history, Sex Offender Registry, and Child Abuse and Neglect Registry background check requests from another state. Interstate CHRI requests are directed to the New Jersey State Police’s website which contains a section specifically for former residents to request their criminal history. NJSP processes the request and sends the results to the requesting agency. c. Does your State/Territory have a law or policy that prevents a response to CCDF interstate background check requests from other States/Territories/Tribes? [ ] Yes. If yes, describe the current policy. [x] No. 5.7.15 Consumer education website links to interstate background check processes Lead Agencies must include on their consumer education website and the website of local Lead Agencies if the CCDF program is county-run, the policies and procedures related to comprehensive background checks. This includes the process by which a child care provider or other State or Territory may submit a background check request. a. Provide the direct URL/website link that contains instructions on how child care providers and other States and Territories should initiate background check requests for prospective and current child care staff members: https://www.childcarenj.gov/Providers/CCAP/InterstateBackgroundChecks Check to certify that the required elements are included on the Lead Agency’s consumer and provider education website for each interstate background check component. b. Interstate criminal background check: i. [x] Agency name ii. [x] Address iii. [x] Phone number iv. [x] Email v. [x] Website vi. [x] Instructions vii. [x] Forms viii. [x] Fees ix. [x] Is the State a National Fingerprint File (NFF) State? x. [x] Is the State a National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact State? xi. If not all boxes above are checked, describe: c. Interstate sex offender registry (SOR) check: i. [x] Agency name ii. [x] Address iii. [x] Phone number iv. [x] Email v. [x] Website vi. [x] Instructions vii. [x] Forms viii. [x] Fees ix. If not all boxes above are checked, describe: d. Interstate child abuse and neglect (CAN) registry check: i. [x] Agency name ii. [x] Is the CAN check conducted through a county administered registry or centralized registry? iii. [x] Address iv. [x] Phone number v. [x] Email vi. [x] Website vii. [x] Instructions viii. [x] Forms ix. [x] Fees x. If not all boxes above are checked, describe: 5.7.16 Background check fees The Lead Agency must ensure that fees charged for completing the background checks do not exceed the actual cost of processing and administration. Does the Lead Agency certify that background check fees do not exceed the actual cost of processing and administering the background checks? [x] Yes. [ ] No. If no, describe what is currently in place and what elements still need to be implemented: 5.7.17 Renewal of the comprehensive background check Does the Lead Agency conduct the background check at least every 5 years for all components? [x] Yes. [ ] No. If no, what is the frequency for renewing each component?