Date: August 6, 2002	Contact: Darren Pudgil
	tel: (619) 531-5894

WHO'S LOOKING AFTER OUR CHILDREN?

SAN DIEGO – At the urging of Chairman Ron Roberts, the Board of
Supervisors today threw its support behind State legislation that would
grant parents access to the criminal records of childcare workers.

Unbeknownst to many parents, there are about 360 convicted criminals working
in childcare facilities throughout San Diego County. While any person convicted of
a violent crime such as murder, rape or child molestation, is prohibited by law from working in a childcare facility, those who have committed non-violent crimes are allowed to work in such a facility if they apply for and receive an “exemption” from the California Department of Social Services. Non-violent crimes include some very serious offenses such as burglary, indecent exposure, petty theft, welfare fraud, animal cruelty and many others.

Even though parents are legally entitled to know if a childcare facility employs anyone with an exemption – a right not widely known to parents – parents are not entitled to know what specific crime or crimes that person committed.

To change this, State Senator Joseph Dunn (D-Garden Grove), has introduced legislation, SB 1335, which would authorize the California Department of Social Services to release the criminal history of “exempted” childcare workers to any parent upon request.

The Legislature has until August 31st to approve the bill, which would then be sent to Gov. Davis for either approval or veto.