Background checks are not required for a foster home on inactive status. However, if the foster home is taken off inactive status and it has been more than two years since the last background check for any person at the foster home for whom a check is required, the FAD worker must request the background check before a child can be placed in the home.

The FAD worker must pay particular attention to inactive status foster homes if name-based background checks are not kept current. If more than two years pass between name-based checks, the foster parent must submit to a new fingerprint-based background check before the home is taken off inactive status.

Best practice is for the FAD worker to maintain background checks (name-based and central registry) while a home is on inactive status.

Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies, 40 TAC §749.2823External Link