Act 153 of 2014 went into effect January 1, 2015. This law will have a direct impact on paid employees working with children and unpaid volunteers in Pennsylvania. This law requires that every person responsible for the welfare of youth obtain and keep on file, comprehensive and regularly updated criminal and child abuse background checks. This new PA law is applicable to any person “responsible for the welfare of a child or having direct contact with children.” The Child Protective Services Law defines “direct contact with children” as “the care, supervision, guidance, or control of children or routine interaction with children.” This means that any parent or guardian volunteering for the PTO that involves contact with children, must obtain these clearances.

 

The Council Rock School District has posted a detailed list of forms needed and the process by which to complete the process so you can volunteer in your child’s classroom. These clearances MUST be completed prior to volunteering in ANY capacity during school hours.  The front office keeps a record of cleared volunteers and will turn away those attempting to enter the school without their completed clearances.

 

 

Process and Form information from Council Rock: What you will need (summarized list):

 

-  If you have lived in PA 10 years or longer: (1) State Criminal History, (2) State Child Abuse Clearance and (3) Volunteer Affidavit (needs to be notarized) validating residence of 10+ yearsThe state has waived the fee for the State level clearances (#1 and #2 above). The fingerprinting cost is NOT waived.  Locations for fingerprinting:  https://www.pa.cogentid.com/index_pde.htm

 

-  If you have lived in PA for LESS than 10 years:  (1) State Criminal History, (2) State Child Abuse Clearance and (3) Federal -Fingerprint Criminal History

 

Once you have your clearances complete, you can mail or drop off the originals to the Chancellor Center. Please note…if you drop them off in person, they will make copies and return the originals to you!

 

Council Rock contact information:  Monica McLaughlin mmclaughlin@crsd.org 215-944-1000