The Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) requires that certain individuals obtain clearances in order to work or volunteer with children in Pennsylvania. Per the CPSL (last amended January 2020 through HB 1051), the following individuals must now obtain clearances:

• An employee of child care services
• A self-employed provider of child care services in a family child carehome
• An individual 14 years of age or older who is applying for or holding a paid position as an employee with a program, activity or service as a person responsible for the child’s welfare or having direct contact with children
• If the program, activity or service is an internship, externship, work-study, co-op or similar program, only an adult applying for or holding a paid position with an employer that participates in the internship, externship, work-study, co-op or similar program with a school and whom the employer and the school identify as the child’s supervisor and the person responsible for the child’s welfare while the child participates in the program with the employer must obtain the clearances.
• Any individual seeking to provide childcare services under contract with a child care facility or program.
• Anindividual18yearsofageorolderwhoresidesforatleast30daysina calendar year in the following homes which are subject to SUPERVISION OR licensure by the department under Articles IX and X of the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Public Welfare Code:0 A family living home.
  0 A community home for individuals with an intellectual disability. 0 A host home for children.
• This does not include an individual with an intellectual disability or chronic psychiatric disability receiving services in a home.
• An individual who applies to the department for a certificate of compliance or a registration certificate to provide child day care in a residence shall include criminal history record and child abuse record information required under section 6344(b) for every individual 18 years of age or older who resides in the home for at least 30 days in a calendar year.Page 5

Current with CPSL, Regulations, and Clarifications as provided on KeepKidsSafe.pa.gov as of February 2020,

• A foster parent.
• A prospective adoptive parent.
• An individual 18 years of age or older who resides in the home of a foster parent for at least 30 days in a calendar year or who resides in the home of a prospective adoptive parent for at least 30 days in a calendar year.
• School Employees (Pursuant to the provision of Act 153 of 2014)
• Adult Volunteers with a child care service, a school or a program, activity or service responsible for the child’s welfare or having direct volunteer contact with children.This document organizes these groups of individuals who require clearances in a way that helps define and assists in thinking through:

1. Who is required to receive clearances per the law,
2. Which clearances are required, and
3. How often must those clearances be renewed.

A section offering additional clarification focused on interpreting the clearances is

also included.

Next, this handbook focuses on defining mandated reporters and how often they should be trained. Although most of the individuals who require clearances are also considered to be mandated reporters, the definitions do vary slightly. This last section provides information needed to ensure that employees and volunteers meet these training requirements.

Lastly, additional policy recommendations which best protect children are covered. Combined with the clearance and training requirements and recommendations, this last section will assist you in creating strong child protection policies for your organization.