About this recommendation

The process and timeframe for out-of-state abuse and neglect registry checks — commonly called Adam Walsh checks — vary quite a bit from state to state. To get foster families approved faster, start out-of-state background checks early.

How to do this

Ask prospective foster families if they’ve lived out-of-state during your initial meeting with them — or even before, when you can.
Find the relevant Adam Walsh/out-of-state background check forms, either in your state or county’s Adam Walsh database or on the other state’s website.
Take a laptop to orientation for people interested in being foster parents and help them fill out online background check forms.
Take paper background check forms and make sure people understand how to fill them out.
If any of the background check forms require notarization, arrange for a volunteer notary to attend orientation and sign off on multiple forms at once.

Anticipated costs and benefits

Costs

Benefits

Staff time at orientation

Higher completion rates and greater caregiver satisfaction if they can discuss the form with a case worker before submitting
Ability to correct errors in real-time
Eliminates the need to follow-up for forms

Outcome data

We’re still collecting concrete data. But we believe that this will shorten the time it takes to approve foster families who’ve lived out of state.

Who's doing this

Frederick County, MD

Complete background check forms at orientation