Background Checks

The Child Protection Register (CPR) is a confidential database of people known or strongly suspected to have abused or neglected children in DC. At the close of an investigation of child abuse/neglect, CFSA must enter names into the CPR based on either of the following findings:

• “Substantiated,” meaning CFSA found convincing proof the child was abuse or neglected or
• “Inconclusive,” meaning CFSA could not prove or disprove child abuse or neglect.

CFSA is authorized to maintain the CPR and to release information from it for specific purposes only under DC Code § 4-1302.01. Here’s how to request a background check.

Check Child-Serving Employees
As a business or agency that serves children, you can require prospective or current employees who work directly with children to get a CPR background check (see related documents section for the General CPR Check Application). Be sure to get your application notarized before you mail it to CFSA. CFSA processes requests within 30 days of receiving the application.

Check Prospective Foster/Adoptive Parents
As a child-placing agency that licenses foster parents or an adoption agency that conducts home studies, you will want to get CPR background checks of prospective foster or adoptive parents.

• For 30-day processing of a regular application to support foster care licensing or clearance for adoption, use the Licensing CPR Check Application (see related documents section). Be sure to get your application notarized before you mail it to CFSA.
• For expedited processing of temporary licensing of kin in DC only, use the Temporary Licensing CPR Check Application (see related documents section). For fastest processing, follow all instructions on the form.

Check a Person Under Investigation in Another Jurisdiction
As a child welfare agency in another jurisdiction, you may need to ask CFSA for information about people you are investigating for child abuse/neglect because they previously lived or worked in DC. Follow these steps.

• Write a letter of request on your agency letterhead. Include the full name, birth date, social security number, and any former addresses in DC for the person to be checked. Include your name, title, and telephone number as the requesting official.
• Fax the letter to Supervisor, DC Child Protection Register Unit, at (202) 727-8040.

CFSA will provide a verbal report within 24 hours. Within five days, you’ll get a written report of the family's history with the District child welfare system since 1999.

Service Need

Apply for a background check to uncover or rule out a history of maltreating children in DC.

Service at a Glance

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