Harrisburg, June 10, 2015 − State Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) today applauded Governor Tom Wolf’s decision to eliminate the cost of the child abuse clearances and criminal background checks for volunteers.
In 2014, the General Assembly passed a package of bills designed to help prevent child abuse and increase protections for children by requiring volunteers working with children to obtain background clearances. However, since that time the cost of the clearances became a major impediment for volunteer and community organizations.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the work of the General Assembly in acting to protect our children when we passed comprehensive legislation requiring background checks for those who work with children.
“However, since the law was implemented, volunteer community organizations — from youth soccer clubs to volunteer fire companies – have expressed concerns over the cost of the clearances and the burden that these new requirements place on the organization.
“As with any significant change in the law, we recognize adjustments may need to be made from time to time. The governor’s action removes the financial burden that the background checks imposed on organizations and makes our approach stronger.
“What doesn’t change is the need to protect our children and ensure that those working with our kids in any volunteer capacity receive the necessary clearances.”
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