Watch CBS News

Report: Thousands Of Calif. Sex Offenders Living, Working With Foster Kids

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — A new report from the California state auditor shows as many as 1,000 sex offenders are either living or working in the state foster care system.

KNX 1070's Jan Stevens reports a state lawmaker came across the information and now wants Sacramento to come up with a plan.

Podcast

Assemblyman Henry Perea said the addresses of more than 1,000 registered sex offenders matched the addresses of licensed foster-care facilities and homes -- with almost 600 of those considered high risk.

"We're talking about day cares, we're talking about foster homes, group homes, places that are supposed to protect and help our children, not put them in harm's way," said Perea.

He pointed to a glaring lack of legislation that would prevent anyone convicted of a sex crime from employment with state child and family services.

"Background checks are done, but obviously thousands of people are slipping through the cracks," Perea said.

The audit focused on Child Protective Services agencies in Sacramento, Fresno and Alameda counties.

Los Angeles County was also selected for review. A report is expected to be released by the end of January.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.