Out of State Registry Check (If you work for a child care outside of TN)

If you intend to work for a child care agency located OUTSIDE of Tennessee and  you need a Tennessee Criminal Background Check or Tennessee Registry Check for Child Care, please see the resources below for information about how to request each of the required Interstate Checks: 

Interstate Criminal Background Check

Agency Name:  Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
Address:  901 R.S. Gass Boulevard, Nashville, TN  37216
Phone Number: 615-744-4057
Email:  Email-TBI.FeePrograms@tn.gov

FAX: 615-744-4289
Website: https://www.tn.gov/tbi/divisions/cjis-division/background-checks

Instructions: The Opens Record check is a TN “name-based” check only.   The process may be completed online or by mail.  A Requestor Information Form is available online if using a credit card for payment.  Requestors can dispute the accuracy of the results of the name-based check by requesting a fingerprint comparison (for an additional fee $24).

Forms: If you wish to use the mail option to complete the process, please email TBI to request the Tennessee Criminal History Information Request Form (BI 0238).

Fees: $29 (name-based check - please confirm any fee changes on TBI website)

Is the state a National Fingerprint File (NFF) state?: YES

Is the state a National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact State?: YES

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Interstate Sex Offender Registry (SOR) Check

Agency Name: Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
Address: 901 R.S. Gass Boulevard, Nashville, TN  37216
Phone Number: 888-837-4170
Email: TBISORMGR@tn.gov

FAX: 615-744-4655
Website: https://www.tn.gov/tbi/general-information/redirect-tennessee-sex-offender-registry-search/sex-offender-registry-search.html

Sex Offender Registry Search Criteria: https://sor.tbi.tn.gov/SOMainpg.aspx

Instructions: The Sex Offender Registry is public facing.  There are no fees or forms associated with the registry.  Fields utilized include last name, first name, city, county, zip code, TID number.  The registry also allows for a secondary residential search using city, county, zip code. Additional information in the form of frequently asked questions is available at:  https://www.tn.gov/tbi/general-information/redirect-tennessee-sex-offender-registry-search/frequently-asked-questions.html

Forms: NA

Fees: NA

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Interstate Child Abuse and Neglect (CAN) Registry Check:

Agency Name: Department of Children’s Services
Address: UBS Tower, 315 Deaderick, 7th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243
Phone Number: 615-741-9718
Email:  CPS.Background.Check@tn.gov

FAX:  615-253-7868
Website: https://www.tn.gov/dcs/program-areas/qi/cps-history.html 

Is the CAN check conducted through a County Administered Registry or Centralized Registry? The CAN check is conducted through a centralized registry.

Instructions: Requestors complete Form 0741 and email it to CPS.Background.Check@tn.gov to make a request.  Include “Out of State Request” and the applicant’s first initial/last name on the email subject line.  Social Security number and DOB are utilized in the search.  See detailed instructions on website under “OOS Childcare Requests – State of TN Response to Block Grant Requirement”

NOTE: The form MUST be typewritten and submitted in Word format.  In the “reason for search request” field please select “Out of State Daycare Employment." All requests should be sent to CPS.Background.Check@tn.gov Any/all attachments should be submitted as individual documents and NOT as one PDF document. 

Forms: Form 0741 (available on the website)

Fees: NA
 

Description of information that may be included in a response to a CAN registry check:

  • No evidence was found indicating that the person listed above is substantiated as a perpetrator of child abuse or neglect in Tennessee
  • DCS was unable to complete your request at this time.  Final results may take 30-60 days.
  • The results are inconclusive; More specific information is needed to accurately process your request.
  • Database search records show that the above-listed person is substantiated by DCS for ________ in Tennessee.
  • The above listed person has not been substantiated by DCS or allegations substantiated against the person occurred more than 2 years ago, with no further action taken.  Therefore, its release is prohibited by Tennessee Comprehensive Rules & Regulations 0250-7-9-.03(5).

State’s definition of “substantiated” instances of child abuse and neglect: Rules of the Tennessee Department of Children's Services Child Protective Services Chapter 0250-07-09-.01: (1) "Abuse" exists when a child victim is suffering from, has sustained, or may be in immediate danger of suffering from or sustaining a wound, injury, disability or physical or mental condition caused by brutality, neglect or other actions or inactions of a parent, relative, guardian or caregiver. (10) "Neglect" means the actions or omissions of a parent, relative, guardian, or caregiver which subject a child victim to actual or threatened harm, including, but not limited to, conduct which leads to a child suffering from any of the conditions listed in the definition of "dependent and neglected child" set out at T.C.A. § 37-1-102(b)(13) (2016and as amended). (13) "Substantiated" means the classification assigned to an individual determined to be a perpetrator of abuse, severe child abuse, child sexual abuse, or neglect. The term substantiated also encompasses synonymous terms set out in rules, policy, and statute, including, but not limited to, "indicated", "founded", or other terms signifying the individual was determined to be the perpetrator of child abuse or neglect.