Applicants must register with MSHP Missouri Automated Criminal History Site, MACHS, in order to schedule their fingerprinting appointment. The resource development worker provides the appropriate authorization letter to the applicant which indicates whether the applicant is being fingerprinted for;
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- foster and relative services, CD26-a,
- adoption services only, CD26-d, or
- respite or transitional living advocate only applicants, CD26-e.
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It is the responsibility of the resource development worker to explain the registration process. The worker may assist the applicant with registration process in MACHS.
The electronic scan method is the preferred method of obtaining criminal background checks. The card and ink method will still be available in special circumstances; however, staff should be aware that this method will result in delays in receiving the criminal history. No one may be licensed or have their license renewed until criminal background results have been received. The Missouri State Highway Patrol public window is not an option for having fingerprints completed. Staff should not refer applicants or providers to the Highway Patrol to have prints completed.
The Division cannot pay for criminal background checks completed on biological parents or for court ordered studies on private adoptions and guardianships. The resource development worker will provide authorization letter CD26-b to those individuals who must pay for their fingerprinting.
The completed reports are posted on the MSHP’s Missouri Automated Criminal history System (MACHS) Internet page. Results for private contractors are sent to the Children’s Division Background Screening and Investigation Unit, BSIU, and then forwarded to Central Office. Private contractors will receive a letter from Children’s Division stating whether or not the results indicate the applicant meets eligibility requirements. The correct local office or private agency developing the resource is determined by the Registration Number. The registration number is associated with a specific OCA code. The MSHP response is received first. After the FBI has completed its search, any results will be forwarded to the MSHP, who will posts the results on their MACHS page.
The criminal record check may reveal open and closed record information on individuals consisting of arrests, prosecutor and court actions, correctional supervision, and release. All felony and serious misdemeanor arrests including sexual offender registration information as defined under 589.400, RSMo, and All alcohol and drug related traffic offenses are considered reportable criminal offenses.
BSIU will maintain a log of all criminal background checks completed on resource providers and applicants.
Per FBI guidelines, FBI reports can be released to local county offices and made available in court. FBI reports cannot be released to contractors or to private entities. If a contractor has requested the information to complete an assessment, they are not allowed access to the report. The Children’s Division will convey to the contractor one of the following:
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- The report is clear; proceed with the assessment, or
- The report revealed something that must be explored. The contractor will then be requested to refer the family to the local Children’s Division office before continuing the assessment. Local office staff will then meet with the applicant and determine whether the applicant will be allowed to proceed with the application. If the applicant is selected out, the local office staff must inform the family in writing and notify the contractor.
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The Children’s Division may enter into an outsourcing of fingerprint results agreement with a contracted agency. Outsourcing of access to MACHS may only be processed and approved by Central Office.