Boys and Girls Club apologizes for former director

The Boys and Girls Club of El Paso, Texas, recently released a formal apology to its members and the local community after its former director was found guilty in a child pornography case. According to KTSM-TV, the facility's former head, Carlos Vasquez, was sentenced in a case stemming from charges in 2006. His conviction prompted the apology from his former employer. "We are deeply saddened to learn of Mr. Vasquez's conduct but are relieved to hear justice will be served. Mr. Vasquez has not been affiliated with our organization for more than four years, having worked from November 2004 through July of 2006," the organization said in a statement. "The Boys and Girls Club's top concern is the health and safety of its youth members and for this reason has a zero tolerance policy and follows strict hiring protocols, to include background checks and additional screening." The Boys and Girls Club of El Paso, which has been in operation for 82 years, and other organizations working with youth can avoid further pitfalls and potential harmful exposure through the stringent background screening of all employees.