St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church
Office Phone: 610-395-5535
Background Check Info for Volunteers
PA CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES LAW
At the end of 2014 new laws took effect that required all employees and volunteers working with children to receive background checks. Laws were amended in 2015 that changed the requirement from every three years to every five years and made some of the background checks free for volunteers. If you just began this process in 2014 it is time to think about renewal of these checks.
The laws that came about in 2014 also put into place the new reality that our church volunteers became mandated reporters if they became aware of or suspected abuse or neglect toward a child. If your employees and/or volunteers have not been informed or trained in what this requires now is as good a time as any to make that happen.
MANDATED REPORTING
The new laws expand the definition of “mandatory reporters” to include all rostered leaders, paid church employees who work with children, and also volunteers over age 18 who work with children in activities and programs. For churches this means ALL Sunday school teachers, nursery attendants, VBS volunteers, youth group leaders, etc.
Mandatory reporters are those who, when they have reasonable suspicion of child abuse, are required to call the state ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313. The new law puts the burden on each mandatory reporter to notify state authorities. They are required to follow up with a written report. Willful failure to report is punishable by law.
CLICK HERE for info on the NEPA Synod website. There are direct links to the sites where you can complete your clearances online. (Click on the "Background Checks" tab.)
We have also compiled a file of useful information and paper copies of the required clearances, if you wish to submit by mail. CLICK HERE for the PDF file.
Once you have completed your clearances, YOU MUST SUBMIT A COPY TO THE CHURCH OFFICE.
We MUST have: PA Child Abuse History & Criminal Background. They will be kept on file and will be valid for 5 years.