IMPORTANT: On July 14, Governor Parson signed into law HB557. All license-exempt facilities must register with DSS by October 14, 2021. Under DSS's proposed, emergency regulations, all licensed and license-exempt residential care facilities and child placing agencies must ensure that background checks on all new and current employees have been completed by March 31, 2022.

What is a license-exempt residential care facility?

A license-exempt residential care facility provides 24 hour care in a group setting to children who are unrelated to the person operating the facility and who are unattended by a parent or guardian and who qualify for an exemption to licensure. You may be a license-exempt residential care facility if you are one of the following:

  • A religious-based institution
  • An institution run by the state or county
  • An educational program where children stay overnight
  • An entity offering a sleep-away camp to children (ex. summer camp, scouts, etc.)

To find out if your license-exempt residential care facility is required to file a notification with the Children’s Division, please read proposed 13 CSR 35-71.300.

NOTE: Agencies providing residential treatment for children and youth and child placing agencies that provide foster home and/or adoption services must be licensed by CD.

Are background checks required?

According to proposed 13 CSR 35-71.015, license-exempt residential care facilities which were in operation on July 14, 2021, background checks must be complete by March 31, 2022. Background checks must be completed on anyone in the facility who has access to children. This includes employees (including owners, managers, and support staff, etc.), officers, contractors, and volunteers.

Per proposed 13 CSR 35-71.015, background checks must be complete by March 31, 2022 to comply with Missouri law.

How to notify DSS

License-exempt facilities must notify DSS of their presence in Missouri and other organization specific information related to their intent to serve children. If you have any issues completing the steps below, you can email CD.NotifyRPU@dss.mo.gov and ask that an application be mailed to you.

 

1

Complete Form

To notify DSS, carefully read and answer all the questions on the notification form.

 

2

Upload

  • When prompted, upload copies of the required documents.
  • After your documents are uploaded, submit the form.
  • You will receive a confirmation email that we have received your form.

3

Background Check

Anyone who has access to children (per proposed 13 CSR 35-71.015) must complete a background check and register with the Family Care Safety Registry.


Questions?

If you need more information or have additional questions, please review the Notification FAQs or email CD.NotifyRPU@dss.mo.gov for help.