Background checks for those who serve in Pennsylvania
On October 22, 2014, Governor Corbett signed into law House Bill 435, now known as Act 153. Starting in July 2015, the bill requires church volunteers who come into contact with youth and children to file criminal background checks and child abuse clearances with the congregation. Read the bill here.
3Pennsylvania requires more comprehensive background checks than the classis is currently providing through our contract with Safe Hiring Solutions, Inc. Those ministering in Pennsylvania should independently obtain the required Pennsylvania background checks. (A copy of your background check must be given to the Classis Clerk.)
Three Required Pennsylvania background checks:
Child Abuse History Clearance ($13 cost)
PA State Police Criminal Record Check ($22 cost)
FBI Criminal Background Check (with submission of fingerprints at a cost of $25.25). Volunteers are not required to obtain the FBI Clearance if they have been a continuous resident of Pennsylvania for the past 10 years. However, they must swear or affirm in writing that they are not disqualified from service based upon a conviction of an offense under PA statute §6344.
1. PENNSYLVANIA CHILD ABUSE HISTORY CLEARANCE INSTRUCTIONS
https://www.dhs.pa.gov/KeepKidsSafe/Clearances/Pages/PA-Child-Abuse-History-Clearance.aspx
2. PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK INSTRUCTIONS
https://www.dhs.pa.gov/KeepKidsSafe/Clearances/Pages/Criminal-Background-Check.aspx
3. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (FBI) CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK INSTRUCTIONS
https://www.dhs.pa.gov/KeepKidsSafe/Clearances/Pages/FBI-Fingerprinting.aspx
Renewals
Pennsylvania Clearances are required for an employee or unpaid volunteer at a minimum of every 60 months from the date of the oldest clearance. Clearances may be required more frequently based on licensure or employer requirements.
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