§ 377. License to board children. 1. Application for a license to receive, board or keep any child shall be made in writing to the commissioner of social services in and for the social services district wherein the premises to be licensed are located, in the form and manner prescribed by the office of children and family services. The office shall require that an applicant set forth: his or her employment history, provide personal and employment references and sign a sworn statement indicating whether, to the best of his or her knowledge, he or she has ever been convicted of a crime in this state or any other jurisdiction. In accordance with the regulations of the office of children and family services, in addition to the requirements set forth in subdivision two of section three hundred seventy-eight-a of this title and paragraph (a) of subdivision one of section four hundred twenty-four-a of this article, such commissioner of social services shall review information available in the statewide automated child welfare information system to determine whether the applicant previously held such a license, or a certificate or approval as a foster parent, and, if so, whether such license, certificate or approval was revoked, not renewed, or a foster child was removed from his or her home for health or safety reasons and shall consider such information in determining whether a license should be issued to such applicant. Not until all inquiries are completed and evaluated shall the commissioner of social services cause such license to be issued.

2. Before any such license shall be issued an authorized agent or employee of the social services district shall visit and inspect the premises for which such license is requested, make such further inquiry and investigation as may be required to ascertain compliance with applicable requirements.

3. If it appears from such inquiry and investigation that the applicant maintains a home suitable for the care of children in accordance with the regulations of the department, the commissioner of social services shall cause such license to be issued in such manner as the department may provide.

4. The commissioner of social services, issuing or renewing any such license, shall in accordance with the directions of the department, transmit a copy or report thereof to the department.