PDFWAC 110-04-0040

Who must have background checks?

(1) Under RCW 74.15.030, prior to authorizing unsupervised access to children, the department requires background checks on all providers who may have unsupervised access to children. This includes licensed, certified, or contracted providers, their current or prospective employees and prospective adoptive parents as defined in RCW 26.33.020.
(2) Under RCW 74.15.030, prior to authorizing unsupervised access to children, the department also requires background checks on other individuals who may have unsupervised access to children in department licensed or contracted homes, or facilities that provide care. The department requires background checks on all of the following people:
(a) A volunteer or intern with regular or unsupervised access to children.
(b) Any person who regularly has unsupervised access to a child. However, a background check is not required when a caregiver approves the unsupervised access for a normal childhood activity that lasts less than seventy-two hours, as stated in RCW 74.13.710.
(c) A relative other than a parent who may be caring for a child.
(d) A person who is at least sixteen years old and resides in a foster, relative, or other suitable person's home and is not a foster child.
(e) A person who is younger than sixteen years old in situations where it may be warranted to ensure the safety of children in out-of-home care. The department may require a background check for persons younger than sixteen years old in situations where it may be warranted to ensure the safety of children in out-of-home care.
(3) Any person employed at a group care facility, including those not directly working with children.
(4) Under RCW 13.34.138, prior to returning a dependent child home, the department requires a background check on all adults residing in the home, including the parents.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.43.832, 74.13.031, 74.15.030 and P.L. 115-12. WSR 20-05-024, § 110-04-0040, filed 2/7/20, effective 3/9/20. WSR 18-14-078, recodified as § 110-04-0040, filed 6/29/18, effective 7/1/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 74.15.030 and 43.43.832. WSR 18-12-101, § 388-06A-0110, filed 6/5/18, effective 7/6/18. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.43.832. WSR 15-03-071, § 388-06A-0110, filed 1/15/15, effective 2/15/15.]