State Audit: No Criminal History Screenings Done On Social Workers

A California state lawmaker who requested an audit of how well social services workers are being screened for criminal convictions says the report is somewhat disturbing.

Democratic State Sen. Kathleen Galgiani called for the audit. She says the findings may lead her to push for a change in state law.

The audit found the state failing in its effort to screen potential workers for arrests or convictions. Those workers are then sometimes allowed to work in facilities that care for seniors, adults and even children.

One problem is the state Department of Justice stopped providing complete criminal histories last year. And the state Department of Social Services does not review all required criminal histories before it grants exemptions that allow people with criminal records to work in licensed facilities.

The audit recommended the Legislature require the DOJ to provide complete sentencing and conviction information. It also called for state lawmakers to add more crimes to the current list for which social services is prohibited from issuing an exemption to those with criminal records.