Federal law requires states to conduct criminal background studies on all individuals affiliated with license-exempt centers registered to receive Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) funding, legal non-licensed providers, licensed child care centers, and licensed family child care programs. Minnesota statutes guide different aspects of the background study process, with different organizational types required to initiate background studies.
Different child care provider types have somewhat different processes and requirements. These guideline documents are intended to help provider determine which individuals need a background study:
Enhanced background studies include searches of these databases:
County licensing agencies continue to play a key role in the enhanced background studies process, and serve as the primary source for initiating all background studies through NETStudy 2.0 for providers and other individuals who are affiliated with licensed family child care programs.
When a licensed provider notifies the county licensing agency of a new household member, a new caregiver, a substitute or other person needing a background study, the county licensing agency must initiate the background study process through the NETStudy 2.0 background study system.
A minor (ages 13-17) who is an employee, a contractor, someone who supervises children in care, or who currently lives or has lived outside of Minnesota anytime in the last five years must have a background study that also includes a fingerprint search of criminal history records held by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and a fingerprint search of FBI criminal history records.
All minors ages 13 to 17 must have a background study that includes a name-based search of criminal history records held by the BCA plus a search of the following databases:
If there is reasonable cause, as defined in state law, a fingerprint-based search of state and federal criminal records must be conducted. Individuals 10 to 12 years of age who live in the household where the licensed services will be provided will be required to have a fingerprint-based FBI background study when the commissioner has reasonable cause as defined in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 245C.
DHS has funding available to continue pay the one-time costs associated with enhanced child care background studies for all child care provider types and affiliated individuals to help child care providers come into compliance with state and federal Child Care Development Block Grant requirements. Until further notice, providers will not be charged for enhanced child care background studies or fingerprinting and photo service fees.
Call the Minnesota Department of Human Services Background Study Division at 651-431-6620 or email dhs.netstudy2@state.mn.us.
