Archive for April, 2010

Background checks and summer . . . what’s the connection?

Summer time is when many of us put our children in the hands of others.  It may be so they have care while we work or to give them a chance to learn a new sport or activity to keep them happy during the long summer weeks.  It might be a combination of both.

The question is – do you know who is really caring for your child – or, if you are a business that offers these activities, who is caring for your client’s child?

You don’t want to take chances.  As a parent, you need to be asking if the organization offering a summer camp or activity does background checks on their employees AND volunteers.   As an organization, it is your responsibility to do it.

Pedophiles seek out opportunities when they can be around children.  Often churches or other organizations may have a protocol they follow for employees, but unpaid volunteers are just as important.

The cost of a background check can easily be absorbed in the tuition or fees for camps and by conducting them; you can promote this aspect when you are filling up your camps and classes.  The good will you develop with the community and parents is one where they know you consider a child’s safety as your number one priority.

AISG (Advanced Investigative Services Group), http://www.aisgonline.com/ offers extensive background checks for their clients.  As parents themselves, they know the importance of having someone you can trust care for your child. 

One mother told AISG of a Karate School her daughter participated in.  “I actually heard of the Karate school from one of my friends.  I just assumed that companies who are child focused do background checks.  I feel foolish that I never did ask.  Luckily I could attend the classes with her but did feel uncomfortable when I saw just how ‘chummy’ this particular instructor was with the kids.  When I was informed of additional opportunities for my daughter to come to the school – for a ‘parent’s night out’, for example, I was not interested since I personally did not know the people.  A few weeks after my daughter’s classes ended, I was watching the morning news one day and his face was shown.  I was sick to my stomach to learn he was arrested as a child molester.  Many parents who had children as part of their program started talking to each other and to our children.  It really hit home.”

For a very reasonable price, a company can check out an employee or volunteer and be assured of what they provide.  Not doing this and heaven forbid, hiring a pedophile can have serious repercussions.  Aside from the horror of knowing you may have prevented an innocent child’s pain, future business is affected and you have legal ramifications. 

For parents looking to hire a nanny or babysitter for the summer, the price to do a thorough background check is about the same cost as only one day of the babysitter/nanny fees.”

Stephanie* was so fulfilled taking care of her 4 young children and family.  She stopped working when her first child was born, determined to be the best mother and wife possible.  She could have continued in her career but she and her husband mutually decided that being a full time mom is the most important career in the world.  Things were going along fine until her husband, Tod*,  decided life with 4 kids was too much.  He never really took an interest in the children and was becoming more and more disconnected from Stephanie.  One day he left and everything fell apart. 

While child support and alimony was eventually agreed upon, Stephanie’s ex-husband stopped paying it after 3 months.  Now it was if he dropped off the face of the earth.  No support, no contact or interest in their 4 young children. 

Unfortunately, this scenario happens all the time.  Many women find themselves losing everything and then struggle to provide for their children.  We may think it is all about maintaining the life style the mother and children are used to, but in reality, many find themselves struggling to pay the bills.  “It is so difficult” said Stephanie, “I never imagined this would happen to me.  I thought I was doing the right thing and we were getting along and now I fear we may end up on the street.  I have been out of my career too long to jump into the kind of pay I need to support my children.  If I hired a babysitter or send them to daycare, the cost would be a lot more than I’d earn.  I get aid from the government, but it is just not enough.  It’s so humiliating.  Last summer we were at the neighborhood pool with the other kids and moms and now I am struggling to just get enough money together to get new shoes for the kids and pay the utility bills in my small apartment.  If only I could find Tod and get him to take responsibility to at least help support his own children, things wouldn’t be so bad.”

With AISG, we have a soft spot in our hearts for women in Stephanie’s situation.  No child should have to suffer because of a parent’s lack of responsibility and inability to do the right thing.  We want to help.  We not only find the irresponsible party, but can also disclose hidden assets and funds that can help take care of the innocent children.   If you or someone you care about is in Stephanie’s situation, please call and talk with us about your options with a no-obligation consultation.

*Names changed to protect privacy.