Florida Orders Checks on Employee Background Checks

Florida USA – A recent review by The South Florida Sun-Sentinel had reported that there are more that 6,000 employees that were approved by the state, who are now currently working with children, the elderly and the disabled, including people who have been previously convicted of felonies such as rape, murder, sexual harassment, and other violent crimes.

This finding has prompted Governor Charlie Crist in ordering agencies and businesses to recheck and audit their compliance with the state law requiring criminal background checks on people employed in sensitive positions and those whose jobs directly involve, children and the elderly.

The Governor’s order coincides with a recent legislation by Democratic Senator Nan Rich to tighten up screening requirements. Current laws still do allow caregivers to start work even before their criminal background checks are completed.

The proposal would mean that the Department of Children and Families will perform follow-up criminal background checks on currently employed workers including those who have been previously given exemptions to work despite having criminal convictions in the past.