The Department of State regulations require household members that turn 18 during the time that the family is hosting to submit a background check (all household members 18 and older at the time of application and/or prior to hosting must submit background checks). AFS has increased our efforts to have the background check submitted within 48 hours of the person turning 18 and we kindly request your assistance in reinforcing this requirement if you are involved with the recruitment, selection, and/or support of host families. The following steps have been taken to increase awareness of this regulation:

• Information added to the “Introduction” page of the host family application regarding this requirement
• Revised internal policy for follow up with host families and TDS

Please reach out to cbc@afsusa.org if you have any questions.