Guardians and conservators
The Minnesota Judicial Branch (MJB), the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), and the Department of Human Services (DHS) all have different roles in the guardian/conservator process. The BCA conducts criminal history checks on prospective guardians/conservators, while DHS performs maltreatment and licensing agency checks on prospective guardians/conservators. The BCA and DHS provide the results of these checks to the MJB. Below you will find information on how to complete a DHS maltreatment and licensing agency check. For information about the criminal history check for prospective guardians/conservators, please contact the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).
Maltreatment and licensing agency checks processed by DHS
Before the appointment of a guardian or conservator, or every five years after the appointment if the person continues to serve as a guardian or conservator, the Minnesota Judicial Branch requires the completion of maltreatment and licensing agency checks. Maltreatment and licensing agency checks are valid for five years and include a review of Minnesota substantiated maltreatment records as well as a search of the required professional licensing agency databases.
Step 1: Complete the Form
To request a maltreatment and licensing agency check, the guardian/conservator must complete DHS-8450 (Guardian-Conservator Maltreatment and Licensing Agency Checks). Please note:- Only typed forms are accepted. If you do not fully complete the form, or if you do not type it, your form will not be processed.
- We recommend opening the form on a computer, not a phone. If you would like to use a public computer at a library or courthouse, we recommend calling the location ahead of time to make sure one will be available.
- If you have trouble opening the form, call DHS at 651-431-6620 or email dhs.netstudy2@state.mn.us. DHS staff are unable to provide legal advice or assistance.
Step 2: Pay and Submit the Form
The form must be accompanied by $50 or, if there is a fee waiver ordered on the case, the form must be signed by court administration and submitted by court administration to DHS on the applicant’s behalf. All information on the consent form is required unless otherwise specified. Only typed forms are accepted. The guardian or conservator must sign and date the consent form.
Payment WITHOUT a fee waiver
If you are paying for the maltreatment and licensing agency check yourself, include a check/money order for $50.00 made out to the Department of Human Services along with this form. NO CASH. The fee is non-refundable. Overpayments will not be returned. Forms submitted without payment will not be processed. One fee is required per guardian/conservator, regardless of how many people subject to guardianship/conservatorship are involved. Mail the form and the check/money order to:
Department of Human Services
Attn: Guardian Maltreatment and Licensing Agency Checks
PO Box 64172
St. Paul, MN 55164-0172
Payment WITH a fee waiver
If there is a fee waiver ordered on the case, the form must be signed by court administration and submitted by court administration to DHS on the applicant’s behalf. All questions about fee waivers should be directed to your District Court.
Step 3: Results
The Minnesota Judicial Branch will review the results of the BCA criminal history check as well as the DHS maltreatment and licensing agency check. The MJB will determine whether to appoint someone as a guardian or conservator. Contact your District Court if you have questions about the results.