This form is a mandatory document required by the State of Louisiana for individuals engaged in child care or juvenile detention facilities. It collects personal information and details about the applicant's history related to child abuse or neglect. The purpose is to ensure the safety and well-being of children under the care of these facilities.
Every owner, operator, administrator, current or prospective employee, or volunteer at a child care or juvenile detention facility licensed by the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services must fill out this form personally.
Falsifying information on the State Central Registry Disclosure Form is considered a misdemeanor offense. Individuals may be fined up to five hundred dollars, imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.
How is the form maintained and why?
The owner or operator of the licensed facility is responsible for the maintenance of this form. It must be kept in accordance with current licensing standards, as this ensures compliance with state regulations and helps protect children in these facilities.
The form requires detailed personal information, including:
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Name of the licensed facility
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Physical address of the facility
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License number
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Individual's name, date of birth, and social security number
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Any other names used
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Race and sex
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Contact information
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Current and most recent previous addresses
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Disclosure about the individual's history concerning child abuse or neglect
Beyond the criminal penalties, if an individual is discovered to have falsified their form, their employer and the appropriate District Attorney's office will be notified of the non-compliance. This could lead to further legal actions and possibly affect the person's employment.
Can the DCFS Licensing Section check the Central Registry without permission?
Yes, if the DCFS Licensing Section has a reasonable suspicion or facts informing them that an individual's name might be on the Central Registry as a perpetrator with a justified finding of abuse and/or neglect, they can request a clearance without the individual's permission.
What is a justified finding of abuse or neglect?
A justified finding of abuse or neglect refers to a determination by the Department of Children and Family Services that there is sufficient evidence to confirm an incident of child abuse or neglect by an individual.
If an individual has a justified finding of abuse or neglect, can they work in a licensed facility?
If an individual's name appears on the State Central Registry as a perpetrator with a validated finding of abuse or neglect, the DCFS is required to notify the employer and potentially take actions that could prevent the individual from working at the licensed facility.
The primary objective is to safeguard the welfare and safety of children in child care and juvenile detention facilities by ensuring that individuals with a history of child abuse or neglect are identified and appropriately managed.