However, convictions for exactly this is what has happened this year, in at least 3 area school districts, including Canon McMillan, Keystone Oaks, and West Jefferson Hills. Who knows how many other school districts have sex offenders who are going unnoticed? Fox News reports, at least 181 K-12 educators were charged with child sex crimes in first half of 2022.
Despite the fact, that there are child protective services laws and child protective services workers, this existing system of safeguards is not working in our schools. Therefore, in my opinion as a former PA Child Care Licensing Representative, where more child protection does exist with far less resources, it is the responsibility of all school boards, administrations and communities to exceed the existing mandatory minimum of these Child Protective Services Laws.
After all, the schools have been receiving large PA Commonwealth safety grants, large business donations, and increasing taxpayer monies to fulfill their missions for providing safe and secure facilities that facilitate learning. The costs for a school to oversee and take over the responsibilities of all the necessary clearance requirements, would be minimal compared to the harm that is being caused to the children, families and communities in our Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
This is not a political or a business matter, this is all of our children's safety that really matters. This is not complicated or expensive. All 3 required clearances can cost less than $60.00 per person and a sex offender will think twice before applying or will not apply at all, for any school position.
The PA DOE, DHS, CYS, PAOOR, PA Legislators and our schools, need to get their acts (Act 168, Right-To-Know Law, Child Protective Services Law, and Sunshine Act) together, right now.
Enough said, but not enough done. You are what you do and not just what you say.
Dennis Smiddle - Founder and Executive Director of FANS 4 HELP.
Despite the fact, that there are child protective services laws and child protective services workers, this existing system of safeguards is not working in our schools. Therefore, in my opinion as a former PA Child Care Licensing Representative, where more child protection does exist with far less resources, it is the responsibility of all school boards, administrations and communities to exceed the existing mandatory minimum of these Child Protective Services Laws.
After all, the schools have been receiving large PA Commonwealth safety grants, large business donations, and increasing taxpayer monies to fulfill their missions for providing safe and secure facilities that facilitate learning. The costs for a school to oversee and take over the responsibilities of all the necessary clearance requirements, would be minimal compared to the harm that is being caused to the children, families and communities in our Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
This is not a political or a business matter, this is all of our children's safety that really matters. This is not complicated or expensive. All 3 required clearances can cost less than $60.00 per person and a sex offender will think twice before applying or will not apply at all, for any school position.
The PA DOE, DHS, CYS, PAOOR, PA Legislators and our schools, need to get their acts (Act 168, Right-To-Know Law, Child Protective Services Law, and Sunshine Act) together, right now.
Enough said, but not enough done. You are what you do and not just what you say.
Dennis Smiddle - Founder and Executive Director of FANS 4 HELP.
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