CORI checks and summer camps

closer look at its employees and the recreation director has been put on leave after town leaders said she didn’t get criminal background checks on the summer staff members. Background checks have not been done in the town for two years for high school and college students. Authorities said this is against the law. “I admit I forgot to do it. I was so busy,” said Betty Dorman, the Ipswich Recreational Director. “It’s not an excuse.” “This is a serious breach in protocol,” said Chief Paul Nikas of the Ipswich Police Department. Nikas added that there is no way to check staffs’ background from previous years but for this summer background checks have now been done and he’s waiting for the results from the state. In the meantime, 11 staff members cannot work until the chief reviews their history. Criminal Offender Record Information or CORI checks as they’re commonly known are aimed at protecting children and are mandated for anyone who works with them. We have emphasized the importance of summer camp background checks previously, noting how parents have the right to know who is watching their children when they are not around – and the further right to know that these individuals are trustworthy. As discussed before, not only is it time that prevents these background checks being performed, but also the cost. Regardless, there is no price on the safety of our children – let’s hope that this town learns from their mistake and doesn’t make such a serious error again.]]>