Bill Requires Child Care Background Checks
According to a House Bill amendment passed this week, child care providers will soon be required to undergo a national criminal history background check to be eligible for a position caring for youth.
House Bill 1494, which was passed with a unanimous 90-0 vote, requires caregivers at certain child care providing agencies to undergo national criminal history background checks. The introduced version of this bill was prepared by the committee on child care and will go into effect on July 1.
The background check is to be conducted by Indiana State Police. Prior to the passing of the new amendment, child care workers at certain care providing agencies had to be given a limited criminal background check. Individuals and businesses applying for a childcare license will now be expected to undergo the national background check as well as those who are employed or volunteering with the applicant. In addition, child care facilities will be expected to “maintain and make available” these records.
Child care ministries are requested to refrain from employing or allowing to serve as a volunteer anyone who has been convicted of a misdemeanor related to the health or safety of a child; has been convicted of a misdemeanor for operating a child care center or home without a license; or is a person whom an allegation of child abuse or neglect has been sustained.