Criminal Checks

[WannaBeCopper]

People with criminal records are getting jobs in schools, and parents are the last to know. Should Criminal checks be done for all teachers and should every board have access to the results?

[Guard Dog]

That's the fault of the school administration. In Illinois all school employees must submit to a criminal check to look for previous crimes against children or sexual perverts. I don't know of any prohibition against hiring a teacher with a criminal background unless it is involoving kids. Every onece and awhile you hear of some school employee being arrested and the news reports indicates a previous history. Thats the fault of sloppy background work on the part of the school administration.

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"We herd sheep, we drive cattle, we lead people. Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way." General George S. Patton

[Don]

Originally posted by Guard Dog:
In Illinois all school employees must submit to a criminal check to look for previous crimes against children or sexual perverts.

California is the same.

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All those who believe in psychokinesis raise my hand.
6P1 (retired)

[WannaBeCopper]

The vast majority of teachers are responsible, caring professionals. But not all. How do we protect our kids from sexual predators who may lurk in school hallways?

Screening for criminal records, whether it be for certification purposes or by the school board as a prerequisite to hiring, a check is only conducted with the applicants permission. When asked, the teacher may withdraw his application and disappear, presumably to another area where checks aren't requested. Besides, a record check will generally disclose convictions only. If a teacher has been charged and acquitted, police cannot provide that information to an employer.

We have to make it mandatory for every school to thoroughly undergo criminal checks.

[WannaBeCopper]

My concern is that some unions take positions that protect their members at the expense of the children.

Secret backroom deals in which school and teacher union officials negotiated to allow a teacher to keep his/her job. If there is evidence of sexual abuse, the teacher agrees to resign before being charged of disciplined on condition that nothing appears on his/her record. The school board agrees not to pursue the matter, saving the cost of a lengthy legal battle and gets rid of the teacher. The union is satisfied that little harm is done to the teachers career, and the teacher continues his profession at another school. Everyone benefits, except the children involved.

The effects of sexual abuse can be terrible and long lasting. Child sexual abuse can lead to a wide variety of problems including alcoholism, drug use and teen suicide. Years later as adults, victims may still exhibit sexual dysfunction, a deep mistrust of other people and anxiety about sending their own children to school.

Teachers who abuse children belong in the courts, not a classroom.

[Mitzi]

As a mother, I was always wary of anyone that took an interest in my son. I just kind of watched the situation and vetoed situations where he may be with an adult alone. I was very over-protective but I didn't care. Too much can hapen now days.
When I taught many years ago, there was a male teacher I had heard rumored to be bi-sexual. His wife also worked at the school. Anyway, he arranged for him and a male friend to take the 6th grade boys camping. I remember feeling very uncomfortable with it and mentioned it to our principal the night they were supposed to leave. She was furious because he had not cleared it with her. She drove over to the school and stopped it as they were getting ready to go. This was on the basis that his friend was not a teacher and she had not checked him out. She found out later that this male teacher nor his wife either had certification to teach. They were fired immediately.
The parents were very grateful but I can tell you this...my son would never have been allowed to go on that trip.

[PelicanDriver]

No, a teacher who abuses children belongs in a cell with a roomate called "Moose" who decides to nickname his new cellmate "Alice" http://www.officer.com/ubb/eek.gif

[Godside]

In schools today, not only do us students (I myself am 19 and in College)have to watch out for the students but also the teachers and administration. I think criminal checks should be done more for positions dealing with children meaning those who provide child-care, etc. Its time to care more about the children.

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Contact me on AIM/AOL, at "GodsideJCC".
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[WannaBeCopper]

Originally posted by Mitzi:
As a mother, I was always wary of anyone that took an interest in my son. I just kind of watched the situation and vetoed situations where he may be with an adult alone.


Vetoed ?

had to look that one up in the dictionary. Very unusual word...don't you think?

Originally posted by PelicanDriver:
No, a teacher who abuses children belongs in a cell with a roomate called "Moose"... http://www.officer.com/ubb/eek.gif

and should learn to dance and pick up soap on command!!! One might assume that would deter most scum from comitting criminal acts. Unless your into that sort of thing. http://www.officer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

But hey, what ever floats your boat I guess.

[This message has been edited by WannaBeCopper (edited 04-26-2001).]

[This message has been edited by WannaBeCopper (edited 04-26-2001).]

[BigBlue]

In Manitoba, all teachers must submit to a criminal record check (at their own expense) prior to gaining employment, there are no exceptions.

[Artie]

WannaBeCopper:
In NSW, the criminal background of teachers are checked thoroughly. As are workers in any areas to deal with children. Child care workers, youth workers, etc. And so they should. Nothing raises my blood-pressure than people who hurt little children.

Arthur

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We are the Police! Resistance is Futile!

[Katiedoc]

I can't believe it's not mandatory, but apparently not. I heard of a janitor that was doing sub duty(pending his backround check) and muedered one of the Female students. This was LA co., not a small school district by any means yet this guy slipped through. He had a big time record, but they hired him on the provision it would come back clean. It didn't but the damage was done!


I don't see why you would trust anyone to work around any age kids w/o a backround/crim. check???


KateD

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