In addition to foster parents, who else may need a criminal background check?

• A. Verify and document identifying information and availability of each person who will provide support as a caregiver; fingerprint-based check is required before acting as a caregiver.
• B. Only foster parents require background checks.
• C. No one else needs a background check.
• D. Only relatives of the foster family require a background check.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that anyone who will provide care or support to a child in foster care, not just the foster parents, must have a criminal background check. Before such a person can act as a caregiver, you must verify and document their identifying information and obtain a fingerprint-based background check. This fingerprint check offers a more reliable and complete assessment of criminal history than other methods, helping to protect the child. Other adults in the home or support network who will be involved in caregiving can also require this check, so the requirement isn’t limited to the foster parents or to relatives alone.