Legislation sponsored by Senator Jean Stanfield that would require a state employer to screen for allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct in employment applications was approved by the New Jersey Senate.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Jean Stanfield that would require a state employer to screen for allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct in employment applications was approved by the New Jersey Senate. (SenateNJ.com)

“Any individual who works with children, or may come in contact with children due to the nature of their job, should be subjected to the most stringent background checks available,” said Stanfield (R-8). “Although a state employer may run a standard background check on a potential employee, we need to be absolutely certain that individuals are also screened for prior misconduct involving children—especially if the employee will have regular contact with them. My legislation will require this as part of the hiring process and will provide a greater degree of protection for the most vulnerable among us.”

Stanfield’s legislation, S-2688, requires State employers, or service providers holding a contract with a state employer, to ascertain allegations of child abuse or sexual misconduct prior to offering employment in positions that involve regular contact with children.

The bill also requires a criminal history record background check and a child abuse record background check for each current or prospective employee.