Understanding the costs associated with background checks is essential, whether you’re an employer, volunteer, or individual seeking to ensure safety and compliance. This guide breaks down the various fees involved in background checks, focusing on name-based and fingerprint-based checks.
For DFPS (Department of Family and Protective Services) contexts, specific costs apply. Name-based Texas Criminal History checks for DFPS employees, volunteers, Purchased Client Services contract providers, and external volunteers cost DFPS $1 per name submitted to DPS (Department of Public Safety). These checks are a preliminary step in ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations.
Fingerprint-based National Criminal History checks, which are more thorough, vary in cost depending on the individual’s role. A paid employee of an organization typically incurs a fee of $39.75. This reflects the comprehensive nature of the check, involving both state and federal databases.
Foster and adoptive parent applicants, kinship caregivers, household members, and other individuals not receiving financial compensation for their role usually benefit from a reduced rate of $37.75. This acknowledges the valuable contribution these individuals make to the community.
The overall fingerprinting fee comprises several components. DPS charges $15 to conduct the initial fingerprint-based check. This is a mandatory step, as the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) requires the state to conduct its check first. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) then charges $13.25 to conduct its fingerprint-based check ($11.25 for foster and adoptive parent applicants and volunteers). Finally, the fingerprint vendor charges a processing fee of $11.50, as stipulated in the contract between DPS and the vendor. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with processing the fingerprints and transmitting the data.
Who Pays for Fingerprinting Fees?
The responsibility for covering fingerprinting fees can vary. CPS (Child Protective Services) foster and adoptive parents and their household members generally pay their own fingerprinting fees. However, funding may sometimes be available to assist with these costs. This is especially important as these families open their homes to children in need.
DFPS covers the cost of fingerprinting fees when a National Criminal History check is required for CPS emergency parental child safety placements, CPS non-emergency kinship placements, and Interstate Compact for Placement of Children (ICPC) placements. This ensures that these critical placements are not delayed due to financial constraints.
DFPS employees, volunteers, interns, Purchased Client Services contractors, and other external users required to complete a National Criminal History check pay a reduced fee of $11.50. DFPS covers the remainder of the fingerprinting fees, and employees, volunteers, and interns can request reimbursement for this amount. This policy ensures that individuals working with vulnerable populations are thoroughly vetted without incurring significant personal expense.
Factors Affecting Background Check Costs
Several factors can influence the final cost of a background check. The type of check required (name-based vs. fingerprint-based) is a primary driver, with fingerprint-based checks generally being more expensive due to the involvement of both state and federal agencies.
The role of the individual being checked also plays a significant role, as different roles may qualify for reduced rates. Additionally, the specific policies of the organization requesting the check can affect who ultimately bears the cost.
Understanding these factors can help individuals and organizations budget appropriately for background checks and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.
Navigating Background Check Costs
Navigating the landscape of background check costs can be complex, but understanding the different types of checks, the associated fees, and the potential for reimbursement can help individuals and organizations make informed decisions.
By understanding the factors that influence background check costs and taking advantage of available resources, you can ensure that you are meeting your obligations while minimizing expenses.
For more detailed information, please see the Fingerprinting FAQ.
