How is direct contact with children defined? Direct contact with children is defined in § 6303 (relating to definitions) as the care, supervision, guidance or control of children or routine interaction with children. How is routine interaction defined? Routine interaction is defined as regular and repeated contact that is integral to a person’s employment or volunteer responsibilities. Which certifications are needed? Employees having contact with children must obtain the following three certifications: Report of criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP); Child Abuse History Certification from the Department of Human Services (Child Abuse); and Fingerprint based federal criminal history submitted through the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent (FBI). Are there any exceptions to the certification requirements for employees of an institution of higher education? Yes. Certifications are not required for employees of an institution of higher education whose direct contact with children, in the course of employment, is limited to either: Prospective students visiting a campus operated by the institution of higher education; or Matriculated students who are enrolled with the institution.
THE EXEMPTION UNDER (B) SHALL NOT APPLY TO STUDENTS WHO ARE ENROLLED IN A SECONDARY SCHOOL .
How is matriculated student defined? Matriculated student is defined as a student who is enrolled in an institution of higher education and pursing a program of study that results in a postsecondary credential, such as a certificate, diploma or degree. I am applying for a job. Can I wait until July 25, 2015, to request a child abuse history certification for my employment? Certifications must be submitted prior to the commencement of employment or service unless the employee is hired provisionally as outlined in §6344 (m).
If you are required to obtain an updated child abuse history certification and submit your request prior to July 25, 2015, you will be required to pay the $10 fee.
The commonwealth's primary goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of Pennsylvania's children. We are working to implement the fee reductions announced by the Governor as quickly as possible while maintaining the integrity of the clearance process and assuring that vital background certifications can continue to be performed.
3 7/15/2015
Made with FlippingBook Converter PDF to HTML5