Understanding Acts 153 and 168: School Employee Background Check Laws in Pennsylvania

1. Act 168 of 2014 What is it? What does it mean to you?

2. Act 168 of 2014“Pass the Trash” Bill • Extensively expanding current background check requirements for prospective school employees by requiring public and private schools in Pennsylvania and their independent contractors to conduct a thorough employment history review prior to offering employment to any applicant for a position involving direct contact with children, beyond current state and federal background checks. • The act requires PDE to develop standard forms to be completed by applicants for school employment requiring them to disclose the name and contact information of former school employers or employers in which the individual had direct contact with children and to state.

3. Act 153 What is it? What does it mean to you?

4. What is Act 153? • New act that went into effect January 1, 2015 • Requires all employees who are applying for or who have a paid position where they are responsible for the welfare of a child or have direct contact with children to have clearances • New employees are now required to have all clearances completed prior to starting employment

5. What is Act 153? • Current employees will now need new clearances every 36 months • Act 34 Clearance: PA State Police Criminal History • Act 114 Clearance: Federal Criminal History (FBI) • Act 151 Clearance: PA Child Abuse History • Cost of clearances is paid for by the employee (current total of all three clearances is $48.75) • Renewal of clearances must be completed by December 31, 2015

6. What does this mean to you? • Unless you have been notified by HR – we would strongly suggest you start the process of getting your new clearances in the fall 2015 • Follow the instructions as outlined in the handout “How to Obtain Clearances – Online Requests” • Special Note: PA Child Abuse Clearance can now be issued online rather than paper copy (can take up to 14 days to receive response) • You will have to log in and out of the website three (3) times during the request process

7. What does this mean to you? • Upon completion of your clearance renewals, please send copies of EACH clearance to Human Resources at the DAC (Jodi/Angela) • This is a requirement in order to maintain your position; therefore, you must have ALL clearance renewals on file at the DAC prior to December 31, 2015

8. Frequently Asked Questions • What if I have one clearance that is newer than the other two (2)? • We would suggest getting all three (3) clearances renewed at the same time so that all of your clearances are on the same renewal cycle. • How will I know when my clearances are expiring? • You will be contacted by Human Resources if you need your clearances renewed prior to December 31, 2015; otherwise, they are due at the end of 2015.

9. Frequently Asked Questions • Who do I contact if I have any questions about my clearances? • Please contact Human Resources at x1003 or (717) 566-5303 for assistance. • Will volunteers need to have these clearances renewed? • Human Resources will be in contact with your administrative team as well as volunteers in regards to the clearance requirements. Act 153 has similar requirements for individuals in non-paid positions.

10. Lower Dauphin School District Updated Policies and Next Steps

11. LD Policies Currently in Final Reads by School Board and Adoption 317 Conduct/Disciplinary Procedures - Administrative 317.1 Educator Misconduct - Administrative 417 Conduct/Disciplinary Procedures - Professional 417.1 Educator Misconduct - Professional 517 Conduct/Disciplinary Procedures - Classified 806 Child Abuse

12. Next Steps • LD is looking into purchasing a Cogent Livescan fingerprint machine for staff use • HR will be contacting all staff members who are now due for new clearances PRIOR to December 31, 2015 deadline

13. Questions