Protecting children and vulnerable individuals is a top priority for many states, which have established stringent guidelines to ensure that those working with these populations undergo thorough background checks. In Pennsylvania, this process is known as Child Protective Clearances, governed by ACT 153. These clearances are designed to keep children and other vulnerable populations safe by screening individuals who could pose a threat, bringing peace of mind to families, schools, and organizations.

However, navigating these requirements can be complex, particularly when each state has its own set of rules. This is where ProVerify’s Child Protective Clearances Management services come in. For the purposes of this blog, we’ll use Pennsylvania’s ACT 153 as an example to explain how child protective clearances work and how ProVerify makes the process easier for employers.

Sometimes staff changes and switching software systems can disrupt workflows. By having ProVerify manage your Child Protective Clearances (CPCs), that’s one less thing you need to worry about!

Let’s dive in.

What is ACT 153?

ACT 153 is a Pennsylvania law that mandates all individuals working with children—whether in schools, daycare centers, or volunteer organizations—to complete several key background checks, including:

  • PATCH (PA State Police Criminal History Check): A state-level criminal record search.
  • ChildLine (PA Child Abuse History Clearance): A search for any record of child abuse or neglect in Pennsylvania.
  • FBI Fingerprint Check: A national background check using fingerprints to search federal databases.

These clearances must be renewed every five years, and managing this process can become burdensome for many schools or organizations with employees or volunteers working with children.

How Does ProVerify Manage Child Protective Clearances?

ProVerify simplifies Child Protective Clearances Management by handling everything from start to finish, ensuring your organization remains compliant with ACT 153 and that no critical deadlines are missed. We handle all communications and questions from your candidates, making the process seamless!

Here’s how we help:

  1. Initial Screening and Implementation
    We work closely with employees and volunteers to ensure all required background checks are completed, from conducting the PATCH search to assisting with ChildLine clearance and scheduling FBI fingerprinting appointments. We guide candidates through every step, ensuring a smooth process. For larger groups needing fingerprinting, ProVerify even offers mobile services. We also import your current employee data, including clearance expiration dates, so there are no gaps or missing checks. Our service includes a coordination fee per file, plus the cost of required searches. (As of 10/8/2024: FBI Fingerprinting costs $27.20 for employees/volunteers, ChildLine is $13 for employees and free for volunteers, and PATCH is $22 for employees and free for volunteers.)
  2. Automated Renewal Reminders
    With ACT 153 requiring renewals every five years, it’s easy for deadlines to slip through the cracks, especially with staff or software changes. ProVerify’s system ensures this doesn’t happen by sending automatic reminders to your team as renewal dates approach. We proactively initiate the renewal process, ensuring clearances are up-to-date before they expire.
  3. Customized Reporting
    ProVerify provides detailed, easy-to-read reports that allow you to verify your employees or volunteers meet all necessary requirements. We securely organize and store these records for easy access, so if your organization is ever audited, all your documents are in one, secure location.
  4. Additional Screenings and FCRA Compliance
    In addition to child protective clearances, your organization may need other types of background checks such as Motor Vehicle Reports (MVR), drug screening, national or out-of-state criminal records, or education and employment verifications. ProVerify offers all these services and more, while ensuring full compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), protecting your organization from potential legal complications.
  5. Secure Data Management
    The sensitive information involved in child protective clearances requires top-tier security. ProVerify prioritizes data protection by using advanced encryption and secure storage to safeguard your information.

Why It Matters

Managing child protective clearances isn’t just about compliance—it’s about safety. These checks serve as a vital layer of protection, ensuring that individuals working with children and vulnerable populations have been properly vetted. With ProVerify, you can trust that your organization is taking the necessary steps to keep those in your care safe.

Each state has its own child protective clearance requirements, but Pennsylvania’s ACT 153 is a great example of how comprehensive the process can be. ProVerify’s Child Protective Clearances Management services are designed to make compliance seamless and efficient, allowing your organization to focus on its primary goal: protecting children and vulnerable populations.

If you’d like to learn more about how ProVerify can help with your PA CPCs or have questions about clearances in other states, please contact us at jkerrigan@applicationverification.com or 412-877-8937.