DFPS no longer uses FAST Pass forms. They have been replaced with the Fingerprinting Instruction Sheets here.

Who is required to have a fingerprint-based FBI check in a CPS foster or adoptive home?

The following persons are required to completed FBI fingerprint checks:

  • Prospective foster or adoptive parents, and
  • Persons 14 years or older who reside in a foster or adoptive home.
Who is required to have an Out-of-State Abuse/Neglect History check in a CPS foster or adoptive home and how do I obtain this history?

Each foster or adoptive parent and any other adult living in the foster or adoptive parent's home if the individual has lived outside of Texas any time during the previous five years.

Information about obtaining criminal history or abuse and neglect background checks in other states can be found in the Criminal Background Check Contact List provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

If a CPS foster or adoptive applicant had an FBI fingerprint check processed when they were certified as a teacher (or nurse, police officer, etc.) does this person need a new FBI fingerprint check?

The person does not need to be fingerprinted again if:

  • The person has previously submitted their fingerprints for an FBI check through the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the date of fingerprinting is not more than 24 months old, or
  • The person has previously submitted their fingerprints for an FBI check through DFPS, and has completed a name-based background check (DPS criminal history and DFPS Central Registry checks) at least every 24 months since being fingerprinted.

All other applicants must complete a new FBI fingerprint check.

See Fingerprinting FAQs for more information regarding previously submitted fingerprints.

Which CPS foster or adoptive home visitors are required to have a background check?

DFPS requires background checks on frequent child visitors (aged 14-17) to a CPS foster or adoptive home under the following circumstances:

  • The child lives in the foster or adoptive home.
  • The child has unsupervised access to children in the foster or adoptive home.
  • The child is related to the foster or adoptive parent.
  • There is reason to believe the child has a criminal history or a history of abusing or neglecting another child.

DFPS also requires background checks for frequent adult visitors to a CPS foster or adoptive home under the following circumstances:

  • The adult lives in the foster or adoptive home.
  • The adult is related to the foster or adoptive parent.
  • The adult has unsupervised access to the children in the foster or adoptive home.
  • There is reason to believe the adult has a criminal history or a history of abusing or neglecting a child.