Gov't to require sex offense checks for those applying to work with children

You mean child molesters are currently allowed to work with children in Japan? And this is such a low priority that it still won't take effect for a couple more years? GTFO.... WTF

However, sex offenders’ databases are only prefectural. There have been a few cases of teachers barred from teaching in one prefecture because of child sex offenses and they reoffend in another prefecture while working as a teacher. This move means nothing until Japan creates a national database of child sex offenders, like other countries have had for decades.

Why would a sex offender have records expunged after time.

Once on, you should stay on, no ifs or buts.

You mean this wasn’t already a thing?!!

Under the system, schools, day care centers and kindergartens will be required to refer job candidates for criminal background checks conducted by the Children and Families Agency.

Don't know if people noticed but there are a huge number of offenders that go no where near any of the children in this age group. They prey on elementary and JHS girls, and many times it's their teachers.

Better do due diligence and include those looking to work there are well!

Why would a sex offender have records expunged after time.

Once on, you should stay on, no ifs or buts.

Right, like the 18 year old who has sex with his 16 year old GF and gets put on the registry for the rest of his life.

You openly advocate for ruining a young persons life for that? "No if's or buts?"

Dude that is seriously beyond punishment and pure revenge!

It should be based on a case by case basis!

However, sex offenders’ databases are only prefectural.

Currently, yes, but this bill will make it nationalized.

for those applying to work with children

So as long they are not working with school, childcare and nursery they will just fine?

Unbelievable such a system isn’t already in place.

If you are currently working with children and a child sex offender you will be fine. This is only for new hires.

If you are currently working with children or applying to work with children and settled your case outside the court (way more common than you would think) you will be fine.

And obviously, those not yet arrested or charged will be fine.

But t is a start.

Not only that but a complete Criminal and background check. the best place to start will be his/her Jr. high and High school best friends.

Should have been done decades ago. And it needs to be a national database.

Once law it should call for a review of all current employees as well.

Sometimes I really feel Japan's top priority is to make money at any cost.

You would think such a requirement was already in place. Better late than never.

Right, like the 18 year old who has sex with his 16 year old GF and gets put on the registry for the rest of his life.

There are often clauses that make exemptions for situations like this where the age difference is very small.

Yubaru

However, sex offenders’ databases are only prefectural.

Currently, yes, but this bill will make it nationalized

Where do you get this information from? There is no mention of it in the article. Every prefecture would have to approve such a disclosure. This would be more work than setting up the bill. I can’t believe you.

CaptDingleheimerToday  07:05 am JST

You mean child molesters are currently allowed to work with children in Japan? And this is such a low priority that it still won't take effect for a couple more years? GTFO.... WTF

Outrageous. Japan, get off your butts and catch up with the human race. This is a serious issue that's been neglected for way too long.

> LindsayToday  07:08 am JST

However, sex offenders’ databases are only prefectural. There have been a few cases of teachers barred from teaching in one prefecture because of child sex offenses and they reoffend in another prefecture while working as a teacher. This move means nothing until Japan creates a national database of child sex offenders, like other countries have had for decades.

Once a teacher commits a sex offense, the license should be revoked permanently, forever.

Coulda beenToday  07:08 am JST

Why would a sex offender have records expunged after time.

Once on, you should stay on, no ifs or buts.

Rapists don't stop at one criminal act. They should be kicked out for good, simple as that.

Like in the Hannah-Barbera cartoons: 'Get out (KICK!) and stay out!!!'.

If the agency confirms the jobseeker has a sex offense conviction in the last 20 years, it will notify the individual and give them the option of declining the job offer.

Keywords... "job seeker". .....NOT already employed. "conviction"..... NOT arrest. There are a huge number of cases that don't go to court. Even for serious sex crimes, even those involving children.

Right on. Welcome to the 20th century.

It is absolutely amazing that this is not the law already........just wow!

About time too!

Where do you get this information from? There is no mention of it in the article. Every prefecture would have to approve such a disclosure. This would be more work than setting up the bill. I can’t believe you.

Read the article, and then learn about the criminal justice system here.

Criminal courts are run by the national government, not by the prefecture. The prefecture will have no say in whether or not to "approve" or "disapprove" such a disclosure,

Background checks are run by the police, not the prefecture.

So the rest of Japan's serial rapist are free to rape as long as they don't wanna work at a school...Should be a Nationwide sex offender list covering all jobs, but that will never happen because half the police force and Government workers would be out of a job.

The fact that this was not already a requirement is extremely disturbing and a huge failure on the part of the government. Also, the fact that a sex offender's criminal record can be expunged after 20 year is actual lunacy. One they commit such a heinous crime, it should be permanently on their record, for the awareness and safety of those around them if nothing else.

It's been said, but how was this not already a requirement for those seeking to work with children?

My concern would be how accurate, inclusive and up to date will the government's records be, as there seems to be no sex offender register system in place here.