Analysis

Topic: Central registry clearance and criminal history record checks required for child care providers who receive FIA reimbursements.
Sponsor: Representative William Callahan
Committee: Committee on Family and Children Services

Description of the Bill:
The bill provides that the Family Independence Agency (FIA) shall not issue a payment to a child day care provider unless FIA has performed a central registry clearance and requested and received from the criminal records division of the State Police a criminal history check on that provider. The criminal history check will also include fingerprinting and a criminal history check through the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

FIA will perform a central registry clearance six months from the date of initial authorization by the department as a child care provider. FIA shall also perform a criminal history record check 12 months from the date of initial authorization by FIA as a child care provider and annually after the initial authorization.

The bill prohibits FIA personnel from sharing central registry and criminal history information with people who are not directly involved in evaluating the individual's qualifications as a child care provider. FIA shall provide training at least every 12 months to the FIA specialists who are assigned to carry out the provisions of this act.

Child care provider includes a: