PENNSYLVANIA
Titusville Herald
By Joshua Sterling
jsterling@titusvilleherald.com
Due to a new state law intended to protect children from sexual abuse, a response to the Jerry Sandusky case at Penn State University, any employee or volunteer who has “routine interaction” with children is required to obtain extensive background checks, every three years.
On Oct. 22, 2014, House Bill 435 was signed into law, becoming Act 153.
The law went into effect Dec. 31.
Now, employers and volunteer groups are making the effort to get their people through required background checks, which can range between $10 to nearly $50 per person.
Those required to submit to the background checks and not doing so could face civil and criminal penalties.
Who needs clearances?
For volunteers, the answer is, beginning July 1, any adult applying for an unpaid position as a volunteer responsible for the welfare of a child or having direct contact with children.
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