(a) The Area ICPC Liaison will:

1. (1) Ensure the completion of a home study packet which includes:

   1. (A) CFS-316: Request for Child Maltreatment Central Registry Check;
   2. (B) CFS-342: Arkansas State Police Criminal Record Check;
   3. (C)

(i) Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal background check.

1. (ii) A Federal Bureau of Investigation check is only required for foster or adoption home studies.

   1. (iii) Parents and relatives do not need to complete a Federal Bureau of Investigation check;
   2. (D) SAFE Home Study (SAFE Home Studies will be used for all ICPC placements with the exception of parental home studies); and
   3. (E) Three (3) positive, confidential references;
2. (2) Obtain the FSW Supervisor or Area Director recommendation for or against placement;
3. (3) Obtain the Adoption Manager signature for recommendation in an adoption home study;
4. (4) Send signed recommendation regarding placement within sixty (60) calendar days of a request;
5. (5) If the criminal record checks have not been received, a copy of the application/request must be included in the packet and the results sent when received;
6. (6) Notify the ICPC Central Office in writing if there is to be a delay; and

7. (7)

   1. (A) Send the home study packet to the ICPC Central Office, not directly to the other state.

   2. (B) No child shall be placed in the home of a foster parent where a records check reveals a felony conviction for:

      1. (i) Child abuse or neglect;
      2. (ii) Spousal abuse or domestic battery;
      3. (iii) A crime against children (including child pornography); or
      4. (iv) A crime involving violence, including rape, sexual assault, or homicide.
   3. (C) No child shall be placed in the home of a foster parent if the record check reveals a criminal conviction for physical assault, battery, or a drug related offense, if the offense was committed within the past five (5) years.
   4. (D) Any state agency that administers or supervises the administration of a state program operated under such an approved state plan will not be restricted from contracting with a private agency to conduct home studies.

(b) The designated Division of Children and Family Services staff will make a recommendation for or against placement based on the information contained in the home study packet.

1. (c) The Adoption Manager will sign and date the recommendation in an adoption home study.