volunteer’s role is within the agency. Is their contact with children regular and repeated contact that is integral to their volunteer responsibilities?
If you determine they do have direct volunteer contact with children, certifications are required. Please be sure to consult your legal counsel when making these determinations. You should also discuss with your insurers possible insurance coverage implications. Are there any exceptions to the certification requirements for students who volunteer? Yes, students who volunteer are not required to obtain certifications as long as they meet all of the following requirements: the individual is currently enrolled in a school ; the individual is not a person responsible for the child's welfare; the individual is volunteering for an event that occurs on school grounds; the event is sponsored by the school in which the individual is enrolled as a student; and the event is not for children who are in the care of a child care service.
What is the definition of child? For purposes of certifications, a child is an individual under 18 years of age.
How is direct volunteer contact with children defined? Direct volunteer contact with children is defined in § 6303 (relating to definitions) as the care, supervision, guidance or control of children and routine interaction with children. How is routine interaction defined? Routine interaction is regular and repeated contact that is integral to a person’s employment or volunteer responsibilities. Which certifications are needed? All prospective volunteers must obtain the following certifications: Report of criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP); and Child Abuse History certification from the Department of Human Services (Child Abuse). Additionally, a fingerprint based federal criminal history (FBI) submitted through the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent is NOT required as long as: The position the volunteer is applying for is an unpaid position; AND The volunteer has been a resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the entirety of the previous 10 years. Volunteers who are not required to obtain the FBI certification because they are applying for an unpaid position and have been a continuous resident of Pennsylvania for the past 10 years must swear or affirm in writing that they are not disqualified from service based upon a conviction of an offense under §6344.
2 08/03/15
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator