New requirements on FBI clearances for child care staff: effective July 1, 2008

Click here for a Department of Public Welfare Bulletin containing information
regarding the new requirements for obtaining FBI criminal record checks
effective July 1, 2008. The requirements for FBI criminal record checks are
a result of Act 73 of 2007 which amended the Child Protective Services Law.

As of July 1, 2008, the following individuals are required to submit FBI
criminal record checks in addition to child abuse and Pennsylvania State
Police criminal history clearances:

* Individuals who want to operate child care facilities;

* Individual who want to work in child care facilities; and

* Family child care home household members age 18 and over who live in
the home at least 30 days in a calendar year.

Current employees and current operators are not required to obtain FBI
clearances as a condition of continued employment by the same legal entity
or continued operation. Employees may transfer to another child care
service under the same organizational umbrella without having to obtain FBI
clearances as a condition of transferring. This follows the same procedures
already in law.

As of July 1, 2008, an employee hired on a provisional basis will have to
submit proof of application for an FBI criminal history clearance in
addition to the current provisional hire requirements in the CPSL. The
length of the provisional hire period is unchanged. Pennsylvania residents
may be hired on a provisional basis for a single period of no more than 30
days. Out-of-state residents may be hired on a provisional basis for a
single period of no more than 90 days.

The Department of Public Welfare is utilizing Cogent Systems to process
fingerprint-based FBI record checks. The fingerprint based background check
is a multiple step process. Effective July 1, 2008, the Department's
website www.pa.cogentid.com/dpw, allows individuals to apply online, as well
as provide detailed information regarding the application process. The cost
of obtaining the FBI criminal record check is $35.