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

1. (1) As used 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 and relative 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, National 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 licensure/relicensure, approval/reapproval or certification/recertification;
   2. (B) Division means the Missouri Division of Family Services 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, division-approved 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 a likelihood of injury to a child, or a reason to suspect child abuse/neglect finding or conviction of any criminal offense where a child was a victim.

AUTHORITY: sections 207.020 and 210.486, RSMo 1986.* Original rule filed March 22, 1990, effective June 28, 1990.

*Original authority: 207.020, RSMo 1945, amended 1961, 1965, 1977, 1981, 1982, 1986 and 210.486, RSMo 1986.