State Makes It Cheaper to Volunteer at Lower Merion Schools

A new bill signed by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf waives fees for child abuse clearances and criminal background checks required by the Child Protective Services Law for volunteers working with children.

Additionally, the Department of Human Services and the Pennsylvania State Police will be reducing the cost of both the child abuse and criminal history record checks from $10 to $8 for those seeking employment to work with children. These changes will take effect July, and they only apply to state fees. The cost for FBI clearances is controlled by the federal government.

In response to the Jerry Sandusky scandal in Penn State, the state government enacted 23 pieces of legislation in 2014, including Act 153. These changes significantly impacted the reporting, investigation, assessment, prosecution and judicial handling of child abuse and neglect cases. However, many parents and guardians complained about the prohibitive cost to participate at school functions and provide the schools with volunteer support.

According to Philly.com, a panel is also working on redefining which volunteers need to follow the background check standards of Act 153. The proposed bill passed by the House Children and Youth Committee requires the checks for volunteers and workers who interact regularly with children and are responsible for their well-being. The new definitions relax standards for lunchroom volunteers or a guest speaker.

Persons seeking employment for work with children and others required under the law will still be assessed fees for the clearances, but at a reduced cost of $8 each. FBI clearances are also required for all employees and for volunteers who have not been a continuous resident of the commonwealth for the last 10 years.

More information about clearances required under the Child Protective Services Law can be found at www.keepkidssafe.pa.gov. Individuals seeking clearances can go directly to www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis to create an individual account and apply for their child abuse clearance electronically.