CHAPTER 99

H.P. 452 - L.D. 619

Resolve, Directing the Department of Health and Human

Services, Bureau of Health To Review Youth Camp Counselor

Hiring Practices

Sec. 1. Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health to evaluate youth camp counselor hiring practices and rules. Resolved: That the Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health, in cooperation with the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault, the Maine State Police, the Maine Youth Camping Association and the YMCA Alliance of Maine, shall evaluate the effectiveness of the bureau's rules concerning youth camp counselor hiring practices set forth in Chapter 208 of the bureau's rules to protect children attending youth camps from sexual abuse. The bureau and interested parties shall review the effectiveness of camp counselor hiring practices, including: written employment applications requesting information concerning criminal convictions, previous work history and references; reference checks; applicant interviews; and orientation and supervision of camp counselors; and be it further

Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That, by January 15, 2006, based on its review under section 1, the Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health shall report its findings and any proposed recommendations regarding camp counselor hiring practices to protect children attending youth camps from sexual abuse to the Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety. Upon receiving the bureau's recommendations, the Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety may report out implementing legislation if necessary.