HUD Urges Stronger Sex Offender Screening

HUD wants you to be more vigilant than ever in assuring that lifetime sex offenders do not receive federal housing assistance. In a Sept. 9, 2009, Notice, HUD reiterated current requirements and encouraged sites to set standards and processes to prevent lifetime sex offenders from receiving federal housing assistance. Recommendations are to:

• Ask households at each recertification whether any member is subject to a lifetime registration requirement under a state sex offender registration program.

• Use the national sex offender Web site (http://www.nsopr.gov) to confirm that applicants and residents are not lifetime registered sex offenders.

• Aggressively pursue termination of tenancy or assistance for residents subject to a state registration requirement to the extent allowed by law.