March 25, 2010

PHA strengthens sex offender policy

The real change here is, not that the policy has changed, but, which sex offender website is to be checked -state- or now -national- for the names of those in the applicant's household. However, even with this change, since states refuse to remove names when folks are no longer required to register, false positives are very likely to result. See also:
3-25-2010 National:

New measures recently required by federal housing body

Paragould Housing Authority executive director David Lange said changes to the authority’s housing plan approved by the board of directors Wednesday will strengthen protections against registered sex offenders.

“Our administrative plan spells out who we can house. It is against the rules to have a convicted sex offender [in our facilities],” Lange said.

Under a 1998 act, the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development requires housing authorities nationwide to prohibit admission to any household that includes individuals subject to a lifetime registration requirement under a state sex offender registration program, Lange wrote in a memorandum to board members.

Recent updates to HUD regulations regarding registered sex offenders recommended housing authorities use a national sex offender Web site directory maintained by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Lange said following Wednesday’s action, the PHA would add use of the national database to its procedures where in the past it had just used background checks to identify registered sex offenders.

The following question would also now be asked of applicants, Lange said:

“Is any member of your household subject to a lifetime sex offender registration program in any state? Which state?”

Lange said a false response or refusal to answer the question was grounds for denial or termination of service.

The PHA has never approved the application of a registered sex offender during his tenure, he said.

New board member

Lange said the board appointed John Malone of Paragould to fill a seat left vacant by board member Dorothy Babb, who passed away suddenly in February. Malone will serve through Feb. 24, 2011. His selection goes before the Paragould City Council for confirmation April 12. ..Source.. John Griffith

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