Indiana Legislature Considering Proposal to Strengthen Background Check Laws for Teachers

How school districts conduct background screening for their teachers, support staff, and volunteers continues to garner increased scrutiny. Considering that these school districts serve such a vulnerable population (children), many are advocating strengthening current policies to prevent individuals with serious criminal histories from gaining access to children while they are in school.

The state legislature in Indiana is now considering doing just that after an investigation was released identifying some potential weaknesses with the screening system in that state. Some of the proposed changes to the state’s background screening system for individuals working in schools include:

  • Require school employees to face background checks every five years as opposed to existing practice of only one screen at time of hiring.
  • Initial screenings must be completed prior to beginning their first day of work at a school. Current state law only requires a background check within the first three months of employment.
  • Require school officials to check employment references, which would include candidate’s most recent supervisor.
  • Place more checks on the judicial process to prevent teachers who engage in misconduct from jumping from school district to school district.
  • State could revoke teaching license if teacher is convicted of certain felonies, even if a plea agreement reduced the conviction.

The proposal does not remove background screening responsibilities from the local school district to the state. Local schools would still be in control of the vetting process. This proposed law in Indiana is a good first step in eliminating loopholes that may allow people with serious criminal histories from working with children.

IntelliCorp advises our clients on the benefits of re-screening employees periodically. It’s an effective way to maintain a safe and productive workplace.

Check out the various products and services IntelliCorp offers our clients.

Here is a link to more on the subject:

Teachers could face more background, reference checks

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