Maryland Department of Human Services Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) for CPS Background Clearances

What is a CPS Background Clearance check?
  • The CPS Background Clearance check involves a search of the Maryland Confidential Database to determine whether an individual seeking employment, volunteering opportunities, adoption, or other direct contact with children has been found responsible for indicated child abuse and/or neglect in the State of Maryland.
Is there a specific form required to request a CPS Background Clearance check?
  • The CPS Background Clearance packet, provides comprehensive guidance for submitting a clearance request. It includes detailed instructions on the process, timelines for processing, and contact information for the Local Department of Social Services (LDSS) and a Consent to Release of Information Form.
When is the Maryland CPS Background Clearance needed?
  • For employment or volunteering with children,
  • Camp Administrators or Youth Personnel for camps in Maryland,
  • For Court Proceedings,
  • To become a licensed foster or adoptive parent, or
  • For individuals who want to verify their child welfare history for their licensure, childcare services, and more
What is the process for submitting my completed Maryland CPS Background Clearance Request Packet?
  • 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.
  • All other requests are encouraged to be submitted via the myMDBenefits Portal, or
  • The Maryland State CPS Background submission page here.
  • Applicants who have never resided in the state of Maryland at the time of their request and are unable to submit their request electronically may mail the completed form to:
      • Maryland Department of Human Services, Social Services Administration
      CPS Background Clearance Unit
      25 S. Charles Street, 11th floor
      Baltimore, MD 21201
  • Applicants who reside within the state of Maryland who are unable to submit requests electronically should mail the completed packet to the LDSS in the Maryland jurisdiction where the applicant currently resides. Check here for the most up-to-date LDSS addresses.
How is the Maryland CPS Background Clearance Packet response provided?
  • A response letter is sent via secure email to the identified agency/individual listed under “Part I: Purpose of Search”.
  • To request a copy of a submitted request, please contact the agency/individual authorized to receive the applicant’s confidential information.
What are the submission requirements for the Maryland CPS Background Clearance Request?
  • All sections of the request form must be completed;
  • Addresses must include:
      City, State and Zip Code of the requestor and applicant;
  • Applicants must include a social security number (SSN);
  • Applicants who do not have a SSN available must provide further documentation such as a passport from their country of origin or resident card;
  • Requests must:
      • Be legible;
      Be signed by the applicant (or parent/guardian);
      Have one of the following attestation or notary methods completed:

    1. The employer may attest to the applicant’s identity in Part IV, and a notarized signature is not required.
    2. The requesting agency, contracted vendor or Department of Human Services (DHS) may attest to the identity of the applicant in Part IV, and a notarized signature is not required.
    3. Notarization is required if you are submitting an application on behalf of yourself. Provide proof of identity to the Notary Public before signing Part IV. The list of Maryland Approved Remote Online Notary (RON) vendors can be found here.
Why might the Maryland CPS Background Clearance Request Packet be sent back to the requester?
  • Requests that are missing information for Part I, Part II, are illegible, the use of corrective tape (whiteout) and/or missing the notarized signature/seal will be returned.
  • The signature in Part III does not match the name provided in Part II (unless the individual is under the age of 16 in which the parent/guardian would sign).
  • There was no attestation for the requestor’s application.
  • You are an individual seeking a clearance and missing a Notary or notary requirements.
What is the expected timeframe for receiving a response to the Maryland CPS Background Clearance Request
  • Requests received electronically via the myDHRBenefits Portal are processed within 14 business days, excluding weekends and holidays. This timeframe may be extended if there is indicated CPS history or if additional records are needed to identify the indicated maltreator.
  • Requests received by mail or webpage submission are processed within 3-4 weeks. This timeframe may be extended by an additional 2-4 weeks if there is a reported CPS history or if additional records are needed to identify the indicated maltreator.
  • These timeframes may also be extended during peak season which includes Summer camp sessions and the start of a school year.
  • Individuals that have been determined to have history are forwarded to the Local Department of Social Services (LDSS) who conducted the investigation and may require additional time to review and respond.
  • If you are informed of a history of indicated findings and wish to check the status of your right to appeal, please reach out to the Local Department of Social Services by calling 1-800-91PREVENT and ask to speak to their CPS Appeals Coordinator.
Does the Maryland CPS Background Clearance also report criminal history?
  • DHS does not conduct criminal background checks. For more information, please visit the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services page here.
Can the Maryland CPS Background Clearance be used for employment verification?
  • DHS does not complete employment verification forms. For more information, you may contact the state agency point of contact listed here.
  • DHS can only report our child welfare abuse or neglect history.
The Agency/Individual received a letter that “History was Found”. How can I find out more about the history?
Who should I contact if I am interested in starting a child care business in a home or center?
  • Please contact your Office of Child Care Regional Licensing Office to schedule the Orientation Training.
  • The Division of Early Childhood, Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is responsible for processing the applications for In-State Day Care Providers and Employees. For more information click here: Maryland State Department of Education.
    1. MSDE must process their own background checks to comply with COMAR Md. Code,Educ. §6-113.2 and Code of Maryland Regulations 13A.07.14.
    2. MSDE policy requires their providers to submit a paper application.
    3. Requests for in-state day care licensing should be directed to the corresponding Office of Child Care Regional Licensing Office: Licensing Forms
Who should I contact if I have questions about a submitted CPS Background Clearance request?
  • Please email the Background Clearance Unit at [email protected]. A staff member will respond to your inquiry within 48 business hours. You may also contact the local department directly:
LDSS NAMES LDSS EMAILS
Allegany County [email protected]
Anne Arundel County [email protected]
Baltimore City [email protected]
Baltimore County [email protected]
Calvert County [email protected]
Caroline County [email protected]
Carroll County [email protected]
Cecil County [email protected]
Charles County [email protected]
Dorchester County [email protected]
Frederick County [email protected]
Garrett County [email protected]
Harford County [email protected]
Howard County [email protected]
Kent County [email protected]
Montgomery County [email protected]
Prince George’s County [email protected]
Queen Anne’s County [email protected]
Somerset County [email protected]
St. Mary’s County [email protected]
Talbot County [email protected]
Washington County [email protected]
Wicomico County [email protected]
Worcester County [email protected]
How can a state agency with an open CPS case receive a CPS History Clearance?
  • If your child welfare agency is conducting a current CPS investigation on a family that may have lived in Maryland and you are requesting their history, please Email: [email protected]. Include the request, family demographics and a photocopy of your agency/state identification on your agency’s letterhead. A CPS Background Clearance Packet is not required.