NEWS YOU CAN USE!
Background checks and clearances for those working with children
(For informational purposes; distributed with “SAFE CHURCH” clergy series)
Prospective employees applying to engage in occupations with a significant likelihood of regular contact with children, in the form of care, guidance, supervision or training must obtain background checks as a condition of employment.
This would include (for example) a Christian Education Director, Youth Pastor, and other church staff expected to have regular contact with children.
Church volunteers are not, under the CPSL, required to obtain background checks. However, many churches now require this as a matter of policy.
Required clearances:
Child Abuse History Clearance Form (CY-113) ($10) – YOU MUST ATTACH A COPY OF THE RESULT FROM CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK from State Police
Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Record Check Form (SP4-164) ($10) NEW FORM 3/12
NEW - FBI Clearance 7/1/08
All new hires 7/1/08 and after with a significant likelihood of contact with children must also obtain FBI clearance (fingerprinting) ($28.75 effective 3/19/12) You do NOT have to retroactively get clearances for employees hired before that date. Pennsylvania residents may be hired on a provisional basis for a single period of no more than 30 days. Out-of-state residents may be hired on a provisional basis for a single period of no more than 90 days. An employee hired on a provisional basis will have to submit proof of application for an FBI criminal history clearance in addition to the current provisional hiring requirements in the Child Protective Services Law.
Check COGENT website to register, and locate a fingerprint processing site near you.
See https://www.pa.cogentid.com/index_dpw.htm
Obtain information and download forms http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/findaform/childabusehistoryclearanceforms/index.htm
Prepared by: Linda Crockett, Director, Walking Together program LCrockett@scclanc.org
Background checks and clearances for those working with children
(For informational purposes; distributed with “SAFE CHURCH” clergy series)
Prospective employees applying to engage in occupations with a significant likelihood of regular contact with children, in the form of care, guidance, supervision or training must obtain background checks as a condition of employment.
This would include (for example) a Christian Education Director, Youth Pastor, and other church staff expected to have regular contact with children.
Church volunteers are not, under the CPSL, required to obtain background checks. However, many churches now require this as a matter of policy.
Required clearances:
Child Abuse History Clearance Form (CY-113) ($10) – YOU MUST ATTACH A COPY OF THE RESULT FROM CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK from State Police
Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Record Check Form (SP4-164) ($10) NEW FORM 3/12
NEW - FBI Clearance 7/1/08
All new hires 7/1/08 and after with a significant likelihood of contact with children must also obtain FBI clearance (fingerprinting) ($28.75 effective 3/19/12) You do NOT have to retroactively get clearances for employees hired before that date. Pennsylvania residents may be hired on a provisional basis for a single period of no more than 30 days. Out-of-state residents may be hired on a provisional basis for a single period of no more than 90 days. An employee hired on a provisional basis will have to submit proof of application for an FBI criminal history clearance in addition to the current provisional hiring requirements in the Child Protective Services Law.
Check COGENT website to register, and locate a fingerprint processing site near you.
See https://www.pa.cogentid.com/index_dpw.htm
Obtain information and download forms http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/findaform/childabusehistoryclearanceforms/index.htm
Prepared by: Linda Crockett, Director, Walking Together program LCrockett@scclanc.org
