Louisiana Senate Bill SR216

Louisiana 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/8/17
• Passed: 6/8/17

Caption

Requests DCFS to remove the names of individuals determined to pose no risk to children from the state central registry for abuse and neglect.

Impact

The resolution is expected to alleviate some administrative confusion surrounding the eligibility of individuals who have been cleared by risk evaluation panels but are still listed on the registry. Approximately two hundred day care center employees who passed these evaluations risk losing their jobs due to the regulations stating that their names must remain on the registry despite their clearance. The resolution calls for a review and removal process that would help maintain staffing levels in early learning centers, ensuring compliance with child-to-staff ratios essential for operation.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 216 urges the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to remove the names of individuals from the state central registry for abuse and neglect if they have been assessed by a risk evaluation panel and found not to pose a risk to children. This resolution highlights the current conflicting regulations within DCFS, where individuals cleared by a risk evaluation can remain in the registry, thus affecting their employment opportunities, particularly in licensed early learning centers, which are critical for child development and care.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SR216 is generally positive among child care advocates and lawmakers who see it as a necessary step to improve child care accessibility while ensuring safety. However, there are concerns about the implications this could have on the perception of safety in child care settings, as some may argue that maintaining a registry is crucial for preventing abuse. The balance between ensuring child safety and allowing rehabilitated individuals the opportunity for employment is a central theme in the discussions surrounding this resolution.

Contention

Notably, some contention arises around the potential risks associated with the removal of names from the registry without stringent oversight. Critics worry that although an individual may be deemed not to pose a risk by a risk evaluation panel, the historical context of their perceived actions could influence public perception and trust in early learning centers. This discussion reflects broader societal concerns about child safety and the mechanisms in place to protect children's welfare while also allowing individuals a chance at redemption and reintegration into the workforce.