Performance Review Highlights Improvements in Delays of Child Care Worker Fingerprinting

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Progress Report on Child Care Background Checks: Steps Forward, But More Work Needed

Nebraska – A recent performance audit on the background check and fingerprinting processes for child care workers in Nebraska has highlighted some promising improvements, but many child care centers argue that the changes have yet to make a significant impact. As child care facilities continue to grapple with staffing shortages, there is a growing demand for further reforms that could expedite the hiring of essential personnel.

Nebraska State Senator Myron Dorn, who chairs the Performance Audit Committee, spearheaded this review after hearing concerning reports about the delays in hiring stemming from inadequate background checks. In an era when child care is critical for working families, the slow process is proving to be a significant bottleneck.

According to Morgan Mills, director of the fully staffed Primrose School of Legacy, waiting for background checks and fingerprinting can be a major deterrent for potential hires. “The biggest issue is really the time frames,” Mills lamented. “Sometimes, the checks don’t come in a timely manner, making it difficult to onboard new employees.”

Senator Dorn underscored the systemic issues at play. “Both the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) play pivotal roles in this process, but right now, their coordination is lacking,” he said. “There’s no effective software system in place that allows for seamless communication between them.”

The performance audit reviewed over 36,000 applications filed between 2019 and 2023, revealing staggering delays: processing times at DHHS reached up to 46 days, and at NSP, up to 37 days in 2022. While the DHHS implemented some changes last year to help reduce these wait times—transitioning from a case-by-case approval policy to a more blanket approach—the improvements were minimal. Senator Dorn noted that while these adjustments sped up the process by five to ten days, many centers still face frustrating delays.

Mills provided insight into the variability in processing times, saying, “It really depends on the case. Sometimes I might get fingerprints back within a day or two, but there are also times when I’ve had to wait anywhere from one to two weeks.” She stressed that greater efficiency is essential for getting workers into child care settings sooner.

The audit’s recommendations included significant software updates to eliminate the reliance on traditional mail between DHHS and NSP. Dorn pointed out that the current DHHS system is particularly burdensome. “They rely heavily on manual entry, which inherently slows down the entire process,” he said.

In response to these issues, a DHHS spokesperson confirmed that efforts are underway to modernize their system. “We are actively working on updates to our processes and exploring solutions with the Nebraska State Patrol to improve efficiency and reduce dependency on inter-agency mail,” they stated.

Moreover, Senator Dorn urged state legislators to assist DHHS in securing necessary funding for system improvements. “If we could introduce a bill or some structured procedure that addresses these gaps, we could make notable strides toward faster processing,” he explained.

The Nebraska State Patrol echoed these sentiments, appreciating the ongoing work aimed at creating efficiencies and expressing eagerness to implement the system enhancements that DHHS is currently developing.

As the landscape of child care continues to evolve, ensuring a smooth and timely hiring process for child care workers is becoming increasingly crucial. The state must recognize and address the importance of a streamlined background check system—one that not only enhances child safety but also supports the ongoing need for qualified individuals in the child care sector.

As we look forward, it is clear that improvements have been made, yet significant challenges remain. The task ahead lies in transforming the audit’s recommendations into tangible results that improve the experiences of child care providers, staff, and ultimately the many families relying on these vital services.

For more updates and information on child care initiatives in Nebraska, keep your eyes on local news sources, as well as KETV NewsWatch 7 for the latest developments.

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