Wayne County updates personnel policy to require SBI background checks for employees who may work with children

The Wayne County Board of Commissioners approved a change to the county personnel policy on Sept. 16 requiring mandatory SBI background checks for applicants who may work with children, in compliance with Session Law 2025-16 and an amendment to General Statute 143B.

County staff told commissioners the new requirement will apply going forward to new hires whose duties might include any contact with children; it will not be applied retroactively to existing employees. Staff said the background checks will generally cost the county a limited amount (a county staff member described a charge of about $38 for the check) and will be administered electronically via LiveScan through the sheriff's office.

"Any employee that may work with children in any capacity" triggers the check, staff said, and the department expects the fingerprint-based checks to return results quickly in most cases, although processing could take longer if applicants have lived in multiple states or have prior law enforcement histories. Commissioners asked whether any county positions could be exempt; staff said the requirement is broad enough that it may apply to most positions because of internships and occasional contact with minors.

The board placed the amended policy item on the consent agenda and approved it as part of the consent vote. Staff said they will coordinate with the sheriff's office and provide guidance on operational steps and budget impacts going forward.