Sweeney Will Act To Tighten Background Checks for Developmental Disability Caregivers

Responds To State Auditor’s Report Revealing Security Lapses

TRENTON – Reacting to findings of security lapses that allowed workers hired to care for people with developmental disabilities to evade background checks, Senate President Steve Sweeney said today that he will act quickly on legislation that would strengthen state law by requiring the Department of Human Services to be responsible for the safety checks. The audit found that some of the caregivers sidestepped the law requiring criminal background checks and that others failed to comply by having the service providers wave the requirements.

“The law should be clear and definitive in requiring thorough background checks of each and every person who is responsible for caring for those with developmental disabilities and that these safety standards are strictly enforced,” said Senator Sweeney. “There should be no confusion and no exceptions when it comes to entrusting people with the responsibility to care for this vulnerable population. This audit revealed weaknesses in the current system that I will act to tighten by acting on legislation that will be unequivocal in vesting the responsibility for background checks with the Department of Human Services.”

Senator Sweeney said he will introduce and act on the new bill and as soon as the Legislature convenes after the November election.

“The recently-enacted bill known as ‘Stephen Komnino’s Law’ will help improve safety standards for caregivers and the state funding to increase their pay are important steps in safeguarding those in care, but this report shows that the law for criminal background checks needs to be tougher,” said Senator Sweeney. “Every potential worker should get a background check and anyone identified as a safety threat should be removed or disqualified.”