


Child Abuse
New Pa. law requires more school clearances
New Pa. law requires more school clearances

If parents want to help out at their child's holiday party at school, do they need to undergo a criminal background check first? This question and others about the line between volunteer and visitor might become more difficult to answer starting Wednesday, when a new state child protective services law takes effect. The law, among other things, expands background checks for school volunteers and requires school employees, independent school contractors and volunteers in direct contact with children to update clearances every 36 months. It also spells out the duties of teachers and other "mandated reporters" in reporting suspected child abuse and the criminal penalties if...