It seems the only way some government and public service agencies learn they must conduct background checks is the hard way. While most state, regional, and local governments will conduct background searches as part of their employment screening program, some refuse. Be it governmental agencies or public service organizations, many cite economic concerns as part of their failure to carefully screen employees. Some agencies who do conduct background checks give them short shrift or a perfunctory review when the completed background report returns to examination.
And then, of course, something happens, something terrible or something embarrassing. Something costly in liability issues and law suits. Something happens that makes headlines, and it is then discovered, whoops, no background checks. Such was the case with The D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). According to an article in the Washington Post, the Department failed to meet basic background check requirements for its 43 employees, investigators with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said. The DPR received nearly $1 million a year to provide child care services under the federal Head Start program failed. The DPR no longer runs that program.
Naturally, a recent audit turned up the fact that a half dozen workers had been previously convicted of drug and other felony offenses. Some of these past offenses included kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of marijuana and cocaine with intent to distribute. Okay, so maybe it is fair to say that these are not the kind of employees you want working around children or in a children’s program. Depends I suppose on what you wish to teach the children.
Check them out before you hire.
