Mandatory Background Checks for ALL Child Centers in Iowa

Lately, the Anchor Character Training Center in rural Iowa, and consequently all other similar establishments, have attracted serious attention of State legislators. The reason for all that interest? The Center is run by Harvest Baptist Church. Lately, in some people's minds, that is enough to suggest corruption and threatened child safety, while others still place their trust in the highest authority.

As far as the Senators and State Reps are concerned, separation of Church and State places the responsibility for every child's safety on their shoulders. That is excellent news, demonstrating how seriously the government is finally taking the safety of all children. Why now? Recently, the community found out that a registered sex offender was living in the coed facility for troubled teens. Since then, the Center's reputation has been seriously compromised.

Although Anchor is not licensed by the state, the Legislature's Government Oversight Committee has ruled that it is subject to uniform state requirements, as outlined by the Department of Human Services. The center is now required to meet standards for basic health and safety needs, protection from mistreatment or neglect, background checks for employees and record management.

This momentous amendment would require employees, volunteers and potential tenants of Anchor Character Training Center and all similar faith-based children's facilities to undergo routine criminal background checks. Although the Center personnel may have a tough time adapting to the new procedures, officials feel the mandated background checks are not unfair.

The amendment is viewed as a reasonable answer to a lot of people's concerns. The House of Representatives will finalize the amendment in the next few days. Rumor has it, they plan to address mandatory background checks for pastors next. When it comes to saving even a handful of children from debilitating trauma, it appears the majority would rather err on the side of extra precaution.