Michigan put thousands of children at risk by authorizing people with serious criminal records to provide day care. An auditor general report released Tuesday says 1,900 convicts passed background checks from 2003 to 2006 that failed to flag them as unsuitable child care providers. Those numbers are frightening and inexcusable.
The state, appropriately, has beefed up its background check process. Auditors should go back and test those changes to make sure they are working. Putting even one child in the care of a convicted criminal, who might do them harm, is unacceptable.
The audit found that the Department of Human Services (DHS) placed about 4,600 children in day care with unsuitable criminal providers. The audit did not look at all licensed day care operators, just those who participate in the state’s Child Development and Care Program. The program provides financial assistance to parents enrolled in education and job training class.