Ensuring the safety of children is our top priority. Over the years, the state of Pennsylvania has implemented several laws to protect children from potential harm. One of the most significant of these is PA Act 153, often referred to as Child Protective Clearances or CPC’s.  (Information on other states can be found below.)

What is PA Act 153?

Enacted in October 2014, Pennsylvania Act 153 is a key child protection law that arose in response to the Jerry Sandusky scandal at Penn State. The primary aim of this legislation is to prevent known offenders from entering the state’s education system and to create safer environments for children throughout Pennsylvania.

PA Act 153 applies to both for-profit and non-profit organizations, including schools, churches, and any entity where workers 14 and older have direct contact with children. This includes both paid employees and volunteers, who are required to undergo thorough background checks before assuming new roles.

Under PA Act 153, all public and private school staff (such as teachers and coaches), daycare workers, and volunteers working with children (like Sunday school teachers) must pass the following background checks:

  • Child abuse clearance via the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
  • PA Criminal History Review through the Pennsylvania State Police PATCH system
  • Federal Criminal History Check obtained through FBI fingerprinting

This process is required for all new employees and volunteers and must be renewed every five years.

By requiring these background checks, PA Act 153 provides peace of mind for parents, ensuring that the individuals working with their children are fully vetted and trustworthy.

How Can ProVerify’s FBI Digital Fingerprinting Service Assist?

PA Act 153 mandates that organizations must submit the fingerprints of employees and volunteers to the FBI for clearance. ProVerify simplifies this process by offering on-site fingerprinting services to schools and organizations within reasonable driving distance.

We provide mobile fingerprinting events, bringing FBI fingerprinting services directly to your location. Whether you schedule a full or half-day event, our mobile units save your team the hassle of traveling long distances or taking time off work. Employees and volunteers pre-register to avoid long lines, and the service is quick and efficient.

Our experienced technicians use portable digital scanners to capture the necessary fingerprints and transmit them to the FBI. Once cleared, these records are stored in our online tracking system, so you don’t need to worry about managing the paperwork.

If we can’t come to you, we can still help you get them scheduled and coordinated for your employees/volunteers!

How ProVerify Helps You Stay Compliant with PA Act 153

By partnering with ProVerify, you eliminate the burden of handling FBI fingerprinting for every employee and volunteer. Our on-site digital fingerprinting service saves you time, money, and ensures 100% compliance with PA Act 153’s federal criminal history requirements.

Discover how ProVerify can help streamline your compliance process for PA Act 153 and facilitate FBI fingerprinting for your staff. Let us make your job easier while enhancing the safety of the children in your care.

What About Other States?

Yes, we can help with that too! ProVerify works with organizations across different states to meet their Child Protective Clearance requirements. While we may not always be able to bring our mobile units to you, we can coordinate the clearance process and ensure it’s seamless.

For more information on Child Protective Clearances or to schedule an FBI fingerprinting event, contact us today!  jkerrigan@applicationverification.com or 412-877-8937