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Child Abuse/Neglect Background Checks
Louisiana maintains a State Repository and a State Central Registry (SCR). The State Repository is a repository of all reports of child abuse and/or neglect. The SCR is a listing of perpetrators of certain valid child abuse/neglect investigations, as determined by the Tiered Validity System. The Louisiana Administrative Code (LAC) and Louisiana's Children's Code govern what information is contained in the Repository and State Central Registry, as well as what information can be released by DCFS.
DCFS does not conduct child abuse/neglect clearances for individuals unless legally authorized to do so.
Child Abuse and Neglect Clearances for employment/volunteer purposes at a child care facility or family day care home licensed in Louisiana are requested through the Louisiana Department of Education at https://www.louisianabelieves.com/early-childhood/early-childhood-programs/criminal-background-checks.
The Louisiana Child Abuse and Neglect Clearance System (CANS) is the mechanism to request other types of searches. This system can be accessed at https://dcfscans.dcfs.la.gov/. Some clearances require a $25.00 fee.
| The following types of clearances must be submitted through the CANS system: | |
| Licensed Out of State Child Care Facilities employees/volunteers | $25.00 Fee |
| Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services Licensed Facilities employees/volunteers (effective 10/01/2018) | $25.00 Fee |
| Out of State Licensed Residential Facilities that house foster children or meet the federal definition of a Child Care Institution employees/volunteers (effective 9/1/2019) | $25.00 Fee |
| Louisiana Department of Health Licensed Therapeutic Group Homes (effective 9/1/2019) | $25.00 Fee |
| Out of State Child Protective Agencies only for investigation purposes (not home studies) | No Fee |
| Out of State Agencies conducting home studies for foster children or as part of an open child welfare case. | No Fee |
| In State Licensed Office of Juvenile Justice Detention Center employees (effective 7/1/24) | $25.00 Fee |
Requests for an agency clearance for the purpose of adoption are submitted to the Adoption Petition Worker in the respective region. Office locations can be found here: /offices.
Other requests, not mentioned above, are submitted to the State Office CPS Program either via email at DCFS.ChildAbuseNeglectClearances@la.gov. Louisiana strives to complete all clearances within 10 business days. However, the appeals process of investigative findings will likely delay responses from DCFS.
If Louisiana requests additional information to complete an agency clearance, all information must be submitted timely. Failure to submit requested information within 30 calendar days will result in the need to submit a new request.
Additional information regarding agency background clearances can be obtained:
| Preferred | |
| DCFS.ChildAbuseNeglectClearances@la.gov | |
| Other | |
| Phone | (225) 219-3461 |