Deciding Which Criminals Can Be Around Day Cares

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A Department of Human Services committee will take over the process of deciding which former criminals will be allowed in day cares.<br/><br/>DHS Director Howard Hendrick says the

Sunday, November 4th 2007, 2:44 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A Department of Human Services committee will take over the process of deciding which former criminals will be allowed in day cares.

DHS Director Howard Hendrick says the change in practice of relying on one official's judgment in such matters will allow more consistency.

It was reported last month that DHS allowed child abusers, robbers, prostitutes and other former criminals to work or live at day cares. DHS bars certain ex-convicts from operating, working or living in days cares, but they may seek waivers from the
ban.

More than 90 former criminals were reportedly given exemptions between Jan. 1, 2006, and July 19. Records showed that almost half were involved in some kind of violence.

Related stories:

10/28/2007 Day Care Waivers Granted To Some Criminals