Audit: caregivers hired after failing background checks
Nearly two dozen people who failed criminal background checks were still hired to work with developmentally disabled clients in Washington state, according to a new state audit. The audit found 23 caregivers had disqualifying charges including assault, theft, drug offenses, abuse, neglect and financial exploitation.
Officials said it was unclear whether the caregivers, hired by the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), had unsupervised access to the clients, which would be in violation of state law.
The State Auditor's Office said the administration does not have enough staff to review all background checks, but suggested that inspectors request a report of disqualified caregivers from DSHS to help protect vulnerable clients.
The audit also found that 12 percent of caregivers hired lacked safety training certifications.
Read the audit report here.