State proposes allowing more criminals in day care

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The Utah Department of Health is considering changing the rules on eligibility to work at a licensed day care center. The changes would allow more convicts to work in such facilities.

Some day care operators like the idea to re-allow certain criminals. They say they had to fire good workers when the rule was changed three years ago. But others say any criminal should not be allowed around children.

The state is talking about allowing class A misdemeanors committed at least five years ago, like DUI with a minor, knowingly providing alcohol to a minor, possessing marijuana or shoplifting.

But it also would exclude anyone convicted of voyeurism, animal cruelty or a felony.

The department is reviewing the possible change because of a shortage of day care workers.

"What we won't allow is somebody who has some sort of a conviction for harming a child, harming an adult, harming an animal," said health department spokesperson Tom Hudachko.

He says some alcohol and drug offenses could be overlooked.

"But if they've got a felony marijuana conviction, if they've got a felony dui conviction, they absolutely will not be allowed to work in a child care center," he said.

The public is allowed to sound off on these changes through Oct. 1.

E-mail: tcallan@ksl.com
E-mail: mrichards@ksl.com