Types of Background Checks

The purpose of conducting background checks is to determine whether a person has any criminal history or abuse and neglect history that may pose a risk to the health and safety of children, the elderly, or people with disabilities. There are seven types of background checks that DFPS is authorized to perform:

• Texas Criminal History check: A name-based search of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) database of crimes committed in Texas.
• National Criminal History check: A fingerprint-based search of both the DPS database of crimes committed in Texas and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) database of crimes committed within the United States.
• Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (TLETS) check: A name-based search of the TLETS system which contains national crime information databases. This system can only be accessed in specific circumstances when investigating reports of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
• Central Registry check: The Texas Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry is maintained by DFPS, as required by Texas Family Code, §261.002. A Central Registry check identifies persons who have been found by the Child Protective Investigations division of DFPS, including Investigations, Special Investigations, and Child Care Investigations, or the Provider Investigation Program of the Health and Human Services Commission's Regulatory Services Department to have abused or neglected a child. In addition, the Central Registry identifies persons who are alleged to be the perpetrator of child abuse or neglect in an ongoing investigation being conducted by DFPS.
• DFPS History check: A search of the records of abuse/neglect/exploitation investigations in Texas and any services provided as a result of these investigations. These internal records are maintained by DFPS and the search identifies all Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services, and Child Care Licensing case documentation that references the specific person, regardless of the person’s role or relationship in the case. Not all results found by a DFPS History search will constitute a match for the purpose of a background check, as this is dependent on the policy for that particular population and the parameters that apply.
• Out-of-State Abuse/Neglect History check: A search of another state’s or territory’s records of reported child abuse and neglect cases that identifies people who have been found to have abused or neglected a child. Checks for abuse and neglect history in other states may be required by DFPS for good cause, such as a reasonable belief that the subject of the check may have history.
• Out-of-State Criminal History check: A search of another state’s or territory’s database of crimes committed in the other state or territory and dispositions. Checks for criminal history in other states may be required by DFPS for good cause, such as a reasonable belief that the subject of the check may have history.