The Dallas Morning News reported that the State is going to have to take a new look at a “self-reporting” background check policy after it came to light that supervisor in North Texas working for the Department of Child Protective Services (CPS) was found to have a criminal history.
Lauren Taylor was arrested on misdemeanor charges that included a DUI arrest as well as a domestic violence incident, in which she had bludgeoned her husband with a house lamp and then bit him.
Patrick Crimmins, a CPS spokesman, was asked if the agency was concerned at all about this incident and said “Yes we are, obviously. All employees are required to report these incidents – required to. It is not a suggestion.”
The state background check system has come under fire in recent years for having large gaps in which individuals with questionable histories can slip through and begin drawing state paychecks. This latest incident burns the spotlight even hotter on a system that relies in part on a self-report “honor system.”
CPS falls under the departmental umbrella of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DPS). The DPS utilizes a database which has been found by the Dallas Morning News in previous articles to contain a number of security gaps. There have been failures on the part of many counties to report to the DPS final verdicts in many criminal cases, which is a state law requiring they do so.
A recently passed law has given the counties more incentive to communicate these verdicts up the chain of command, but it’s hardly a fix for a system in need of an overhaul. Some see independent background check agencies as a viable means for facilitating background checks between counties and the DPS.
Although not yet policy to utilize background check agencies, Mr. Crimmins did speculate that “It is something that we could look into.” Doing so would require
approaching the legislature and requesting the appropriate funds.
While some might balk at the request for additional funding, what might be preferable? A few hundred thousand for background screening funding or millions in state payouts resulting from lawsuits stemming from negligent hiring practices? You make the call.
Fortunately, some see the reality of the situation, such as Texas Senator Jane Nelson. Ms. Nelson was responsible for passing a bill in a recent legislative session requiring FBI fingerprint checks of individuals working for contractors who provide services to state agencies that are in contact with vulnerable state populations (i.e. the elderly, disabled and young children.)
The Dallas morning news quoted Ms. Nelson as saying “The accuracy and timeliness of criminal background checks have come a long way, but more work is needed. Because resources are limited, it is important that we prioritize our resources on the vetting process with individuals who have the most direct access with our vulnerable population.”
Can people be trusted to come completely clean about their past when it comes to getting a paying job? In a perfect world the answer would be yes, but unfortunately we’re living in one where the truth isn’t always forthcoming. Especially given the current economic climate, many might not willingly come forward with information that will keep them from steady employment and a steady paycheck.
Perhaps in certain situations (And to be honest I really can’t think of many) a self-reporting system might be appropriate, but with the DPS there needs to be a bit more of a substantial and regimented background screening process in place.
Although Lauren Taylor’s position with CPS did not have her in direct contact with children, what if it did? It underscores the importance of utilizing a system that guarantees only qualified individuals are put into contact with segments of the population that find themselves most vulnerable to society’s disagreeable elements. The modern era unfortunately has proven that we can’t always rely on the “honor system” and assume everything will go to plan.
