PURPOSE: This rule defines terms and explains usage for those terms used in completing criminal and child abuse/ neglect central registry checks for foster, adoptiiue and relative careprouiders.

1. (1) As wed in 13 CSR 40-59.030, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following terms shall mean:

   1. (A) Criminal and child abuse/neglect criminal records checks means the gathering of facts and records concerning foster, adoptive andrelat,ive care providers which may include, but not necessarily be limited to: a review of various automated systems, including the Missouri Child Abuse/Neglect Central Registry System, Missouri Criminal Records System, Na,tional Crime Information Center, Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System and others, as appropriate; and a review of all records, court documents, testimony, child abuse records, as appropriate and all other information relating to any harmful act(s), or alleged :harmful act(s) by an applicant for licensurs/relicensure, approval/reapproval or certificai;ion/recertification;,
   2. (B) Division means the Missouri Division of Family 1Services or employees of other divisions of the Missouri Department of Social Services acting as its representatives in the process of conducting a background screening and investigation;
   3. (C) Foster, adoptive and relative care provider includes licensed foster family homes and foster family group homes, divisionapproved adoptive homes and certified relative homes which have been licensed, approved/ certified by the Missouri Division of Family Services. This shall include foster homes studied and approved by private child placing agencies licensed by the Division of Family Services; and

   4. (D) Harmful act means an act which has been injurious to a child or which demonstrates 8, likelihood of injury to a child, or a reason to suspect child abuse/neglect finding or conviction of any criminal offense where a child wa;s a victim.

      Ju,dith K. Moriarty (10/29/93)

   Auth: sections 207.020 and 210.486, RSMo /1986).* Original rule filed March 22,1990, effective June 28,199O. ‘Original anthority: 207.020, RSMo (19451, amended 1961,1965,1977,1981,1982,1986 and 210.486, RSMo (19861.