Recently, more and more states and public service agencies have mandated background checks for those employees who work with the vulnerable. The vulnerable may be regarded as the elderly, youngsters, and those who are infirmed or physically or mentally impaired. In fact, even the states and public service agencies who did order background checks despite economic constraints and budget cuts have for the most part expanded the level of the background checks they are now conducting. Too many embarrassing situations where someone hired to assist the elderly or young made headlines as a ex offender, thief, or drug addict. Not very good for public relations.
According to an article in ABC News, Australia’ ACT Government is extending background checks for people working with the elderly and children. In all, there is increasingly a concerted effort to protect our more vulnerable citizens. I will be happy when every government and public service agency invokes stringent background checks on all public servants and health care workers as part of the general preemployment screening program. Given the rash of ugly stories, it is about time.
