PA Act 153, also known as Pennsylvania Act 153, is a pivotal law enacted in October 2014 in response to the Penn State/Jerry Sandusky scandal. This state-wide legislation mandates rigorous background checks for anyone working with children, ensuring a safer environment across Pennsylvania.

What Is PA Act 153?

PA Act 153 aims to protect children by requiring comprehensive background checks for individuals 14 years and older who interact with minors in both paid and volunteer roles. Effective December 31, 2014, this law stipulates that all qualifying individuals must obtain child abuse clearances. Additionally, these criminal clearances must be renewed every 60 months to maintain up-to-date safety standards.

The Background Check Process

To comply with PA Act 153, affected individuals must complete three distinct background checks:

  1. Child Abuse Clearance: Obtained through the Department of Public Welfare.
  2. Criminal History: Processed via the PA State Police (PATCH) system.
  3. Federal Criminal History: Conducted through FBI fingerprint screening.

Even if these checks were performed previously, they must be renewed if expired. Special provisions exist for volunteers, particularly those who have lived in Pennsylvania for the past decade or volunteer for less than 30 days.

Impact on Organizations and Individuals

PA Act 153 broadly impacts any organization working with children, including schools, churches, day care centers, and after-school programs. As of December 31, 2014, all employees in these settings must complete the necessary background checks. Volunteers were required to comply by July 1, 2015.

This extensive coverage ensures that children interact only with vetted, trustworthy individuals. Although the cost of these checks can be a concern, particularly for non-profit organizations, the state has waived fees for volunteers to alleviate some of the financial burden.

Staying Compliant and Informed

Understanding and adhering to PA Act 153 is crucial for anyone working with children in Pennsylvania. While navigating these regulations might seem daunting, the process is straightforward with proper guidance and knowledge.

If you need assistance or have questions about compliance, our team of regulation experts is here to help.

Want to Learn More about How ProVerify can help?

ProVerify can help you navigate the process and help to keep you compliant with our clearances management services. Reach out to jkerrigan@applicationverification.com to learn more!

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