Lansing, this time. Just a few days ago, we issued a story on this blog concerning over 1900 child care workers who had slipped through the cracks in the hiring processes. Four of those had received their certificates and checks while in prison. Now, according to WILX, a child care worker who has been convicted of molesting a 13 year old girl has triggered the Department of Parks and Recreation to review the background checks they perform. According to the report, the current system of checks is done by the local police department. Admittedly, they know it is possible for someone to fall through the cracks, usually with things such as minor as traffic offenses. The director says all precautions are taken, but obviously did not work in this case. There is an even more alarming twist to this story. The station that reported the story ran a poll asking those with children in camps if they knew whether or not the camp their child attends performs background checks on potential workers. The results are astounding. Over 73 percent of those who answered admitted that they did not know if the camps attended by their children use criminal background checks! Don’t make this grievous mistake. Remember, as parents, you are the last line of defense in most cases. It’s your right to ask if the employee screening process uses an extensive, reputable criminal background service company.