Recent changes in the Pennsylvania child protection laws will have a significant impact on all parishes, institutions, and agencies of the diocese.
These new regulations are designed to further protect children and youth from abuse and expand the categories of people considered mandated reporters of child abuse.
The Diocese of Pittsburgh will hold a special information session on Saturday, May 16, 9:30 a.m. to Noon, at Calvary Episcopal Church in East Liberty so that all can learn more about these changes.
KeepKidsSafe.pa.gov is a helpful online resource for additional information.
Changes in the child protection laws include:
Employees and volunteers having contact with children must obtain the following three clearances:
- Report of criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police
- Child Abuse History Clearance from the Department of Human Services
- Fingerprint based federal criminal history submitted through the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent, the FBI
A volunteer who has been a Pennsylvania resident continuously for the past ten years is not required to have the federal criminal history check.
Anyone, whether employee or volunteer, who has contact with children in the course of his or her work or professional practice is now a mandated reporter of child abuse and will need to complete training on mandated reporting.
For planning purposes, please register for this event by clicking here.