After a New Orleans watchdog chided the city’s recreation department for welcoming volunteer coaches with rap sheets, coaches on Monday urged the agency to allow people with nonviolent offenses to continue serving youth.
A New Orleans Inspector General report on Thursday found only about half of a random sample of volunteer coaches at the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission had background checks on file – and that at least two coaches should have never been allowed to work because of their criminal histories.
NORD has begun to review its roster of coaches to ensure they meet eligibility requirements. But coaches say they fear the agency could cut ties with fathers and community members who are trusted mentors for young people who often have limited access to guidance and support…