Beginning in 2015, Pennsylvania congregations will be required to make sweeping changes to how we retain, recruit and screen employees and volunteers who work with children as a result of new state laws passed in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky child-sex-abuse scandal.

The new laws expand the definition of "mandatory reporters" to include all rostered leaders, paid church employees who work with children, and also volunteers over age 18 who work with children in activities and programs. For churches this means ALL Sunday school teachers, nursery attendants, VBS volunteers, youth group leaders, etc.

Mandatory reporters are those who, when they have reasonable suspicion of child abuse are required to call the state ChildLine. The new law puts the burden on each mandatory reporter to notify state authorities.They are required to follow up with a written report. Willful failure to report is punishable by law.

The new law requires these two background clearances for ALL mandated reporters every 36 months. 
1) Child Abuse History Clearance Form (CY-113) ($10) - Obtained from the Department of Human Services.
2) Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Record Check Form (SP4-164) ($10)

FBI Fingerprint Record Checks are additionally required for all employees (including rostered leaders) and for any volunteers who have not lived in PA for 10 years.

Here is a link to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services that provides links to online forms or instructions for all three clearances.

The new laws give volunteers until July 1, 2015 to obtain the background checks, and employees until Dec. 31, 2015.

As a Synod, we are gathering authoritative information to assist congregations in complying with the new laws and to equip their mandatory reporters to understand their responsibilities.

To help train your mandatory reporters, here is a flyer that describes and provides a link to a FREE online three-hour course for mandatory reporters. Developed by University of Pittsburgh, the Department of Public Welfare, Office of Children, Youth and Families, the Pennsylvania Children and Youth Administrators, the course covers how to recognize and report suspected child abuse. Registration is required. Participants can then print out a certificate signifying their completion of the course.
 
Here are some resources that can provide more information:
Report of the Center for Children's Justice details the new categories of mandated reporters.
Report of Samaritan Safe Church helps explain the impact on congregations.

Look for announcements in Carings & Sharings about training opportunities and additional resources to ensure that your congregation is a safe place for all of God's children.

(Photo by Ian Burt, used by Creative Commons license.)

Does your congregation need a financial boost? Plan on coming to the Brown Bag Leadership Lunch on Thursday, Jan. 8, when the topic will be "Year-Round Stewardship." We will explore strategies and resources to help make stewardship a 12-month effort that emphasizes how we use not only our financial gifts, but the cornucopia of abundance that God gives us. Assistant to the Bishop Rob Blezard will lead discussion and give all participants a DVD copy of the ELCA stewardship resource "Make It Simple" and other handouts. We gather at 10 a.m., work for a couple hours and then eat at about noon as we finish up our discussion. All congregational leaders are welcome. Registration is not required but it would be great if you could let Cathy Deitrich of the synod office (cdeitrich@lss-elca.org) know if you're attending so we can make sure to have enough materials. 

HOLD THE DATE! Mark your calendars now for September 13, 2015 (first Sunday after Labor Day) and the third annual "God's Work. Our Hands." Sunday. Look for more information, but start planning now how your congregation can use your hands to do God's work in your community and beyond.

 

January 31 - February 1, 2015

Grace in Wellness Women's Retreat