Karen Burnett-Kurie: Background checks needed, even with no suggestion of crime

To The Daily Sun,

Here’s the premise of a recent article in the Grok. “In Wolfeboro, Tuftonboro, and Ossipee, the Democrat candidate for the NH House supports background checks for parents who homeschool their children. Without any suggestion of abuse or neglect? Parents are guilty before ever being charged.”


If readers follow that logic no one should go through a background check — without any suggestion of abuse, neglect or criminal behavior. Because where would that suggestion come from?

We have sufficient experience with "trusted" coaches, religious figures, teachers and even parents/family members abusing children that it would be in excusable to not use basic common sense prevention measures.

In fact, background checks are required in many many employment processes in New Hampshire. It is not an exceptional request, but a common request. Even with NH's ban-the-box law for public employers, background checks are allowed before someone is hired.

In fact some industries require ongoing checks. Manufacturers conduct regular drug screens of existing employees to reduce potential liability and accidents. (Without suggestion of a problem.) Trucking companies conduct DOT-compliant screens regularly and check driving records at least yearly even without a "suggestion." And companies providing services to vulnerable populations require ongoing screens to ensure client/patient safety.

NH state law [RSA 189:13-a(IX)(b)] requires criminal history record checks, starting with students who enroll in a college educator preparation program. Additional criminal history record checks, are then administered by a placement district(s), for student teachers, interns etc.

It is beyond credulity Rep. Glenn Cordelli thinks people working with children in a private/religious school, public charter school or a homeschool group should not be checked. What logic precludes some student teachers, interns, etc. from this requirement?

Isn't this a minimum prevention measure? Or is it less important to prevent a childhood incident then to prevent vehicle or manufacturing accidents?

Karen Burnett-Kurie

Wolfeboro