Larkin Calls For Punishment Of Parents Who Knowingly Allow Convicted Sex Offenders To Live In Their Homes

William J. Larkin Jr.

January 9, 2007

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) is cosponsoring a measure in the State Senate, S.786, that will ensure that parents do not knowingly allow their children to reside with registered sex offenders.

The bill states that any parent or guardian with children less than eighteen years old who knowingly allows a registered sex offender to reside in their home will be charged with endangering the welfare of a child, a Class A misdemeanor.

"How many times do we hear that a child was abused by someone living in their own home?" Said Senator Larkin. "How many times do we hear that those abusers were convicted sex offenders and that the child's mother or father still allowed them to live there? This situation should never occur. Obviously, it is too dangerous for the safety and well-being of the children. This bill will hold parents accountable for protecting children who have no say in who comes to live in their homes."