Lead Agencies have the flexibility to determine who pays for background checks (the provider, the applicant, or the Lead Agency) but the CCDBG Act requires that the fees charged for completing a background check not exceed the actual cost of processing and administration. The cost of conducting background checks varies across states. According to CCDF Plan data, most states report low costs to check state registries. Fees cannot exceed costs and result in return to state general funds, but they can be used to build and maintain background check infrastructure.

States must publish background check policies and procedures, including any fees charged, on their state consumer education websites. (State consumer education websites are a requirement added by the CCDBG Act). For additional information, refer to Promote Family Engagement through Outreach and Consumer Education.

[1] CCDBG Act of 2014 658H(f); Child Care and Development Fund, 45 C.F.R. § 98.43(e)(f) (2016).