KEEP KIDS SAFE - CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES LAW (PA ACT 15) AND ITS IMPACT ON VOLUNTEERS IN THE MINSI TRAILS COUNCIL

Suspect Child Abuse or neglect? Call Childline: 1-800-932-0313

Download How do I know if I need a clearance

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania enacted the Child Protective Services Law in 2015. The intent of this law is to protect the youth of Pennsylvania. All youth serving organizations within the Commonwealth are covered under this law. Volunteers, registered and unregistered, in the Minsi Trails Council are affected in two ways; we are mandated child abuse reporters and required to provide background check clearances. 

Who is required to comply with the Pennsylvania Volunteer Law? Frequently Asked Questions

• All individuals seeking to become NEW volunteers for Scouting in the state of Pennsylvania must have proper clearances before beginning volunteer work with Scout youth, as well as complete a new Boy Scouts of America Adult Application and online Youth Protection Training.
• All registered unit, district, and council Scouters, regardless of their position responsibilities must have proper clearances.  This includes Scouts BSA turning 18 Scouts BSA Turning 18 flow chart review here. 
• Clearances are required if a carpool is organized or drivers are recruited by the unit’s leaders. If organized parent to parent the clearances are not needed.
  • At events/camps where Scouts are participating without their parent(s), clearances are required. If parents are required for the Scout to attend, clearances are not required (unless the event/activity is greater then 72 hours); example Summer Resident Camp.  If greater, registration in the BSA, Youth Protection Training and PA Act 15 clearances are all required. 
• Parents helping with fundraisers – if the parent will be or could be responsible for a child other than their own son (or daughter) then clearances are required.
• Clearances are not required for adults who stay occasionally at a meeting to help out, unless their participation becomes a weekly occurrence.

Please review this information below and take the required action as it pertains to your role.

Renewals of PA Act 15 Clearances: 

• All clearances are valid for 60 months from the initial request date. 
• Child Abuse History Clearance, the renewal window starts on the day after the 57 month. 
• Criminal History from PA State Police, the renewal window starts on the day after the 57 month. 
• Finger based FBI Criminal History Clearance, fees apply regardless of renewal window.  
  • Disclosure Statement and Waiver Application, renewal window any time.