Background Search

The State maintains a Centralized Confidential Database that contains information about child abuse and neglect investigations conducted by Maryland State departments of social services. The State searches the database when:

  • An individual completes a Child Protective Services (CPS) Background Clearance Form and requests that the department complete a search. This request is most often completed to verify the absence of any history that would preclude a person from working with or caring for children.
  • The court requests a search by providing a court order requiring the department to release information.
  • If an individual wants to be considered by another state’s department of social services to become a foster or adoptive parent in their state and that person has lived in Maryland in the past. This is often referred to as an “Adam Walsh check“.
    Please note: The CPS Background Clearance is NOT a criminal background clearance and only reviews child abuse and neglect history. Criminal background clearances must be completed by your local law enforcement.

Request a Background Clearance

Individuals, Employers and Agencies are encouraged to request a CPS background clearance through MyMDBenefits Portal for quicker turnaround. View the instructions here to set up your Portal account.

If you are requesting a clearance for a Maryland Camp, Public School, or other Child Serving Agency, you must use the MyMDBenefits Portal for submissions. If you do not currently have an account with MyMDBenefits Portal, please review the instructions here.

CPS Background Clearance Packets may also be submitted through the submission webpage or by postal mail, however, this process may take up to four (4) to six (6) weeks to complete. We encourage all applicants to use MyMDBenefits Portal for submissions to receive results within one (1)- two (2) weeks.

Webpage submission:

By Mail:

Maryland Department of Human Services, Social Services Administration,
CPS Background Clearance Unit
25 S. Charles Street, 11th floor,
Baltimore, MD 21201

For more information or questions regarding a CPS Background Clearance, please contact mdcps.clearances1@maryland.gov.