An organization could refuse if, for example, the request appeared to be harassment for a personal grievance rather than concern for a child's safety. But most groups would hesitate to refuse for fear of lawsuits. An amendment drafted by Wellington resident Jody Gorran, an anti-abuse activist, would make it mandatory for an organization to follow through. But groups that depend on thousands of volunteers, such as the Boy Scouts and the Catholic Church, won't support that version. They say it's already difficult to get good people to volunteer and worry that it would discourage others.
Cost is another concern.
Neighborhood groups are less organized than the Scouts or churches and have even less money. Requiring groups to pay for background checks on everyone would cost too much. In Florida, more than 1 million people chaperone kids on field trips and support children's activities in various ways. Thus the idea that parents should pay for checks they want. The 1993 National Child Protection Act lets states use the Federal Bureau of Investigation computer for background checks if they pass enabling legislation.