To: Volunteers of the Cradle of Liberty Council, BSA

From: Chuck Bolger, Council Commissioner and Michael Oehmke, 

Director of Support Services

Date: June 11, 2015

Update: Child Protective Services Law and its impact on Volunteers in the Cradle of Liberty Council

You may have seen the press release from Governor Wolf's office that fees for child abuse clearances and criminal background checks required by the Child Protective Services Law will be waived for volunteers working with children effective July 25, 2015. The Child Protective Services Law continues to be reviewed in Harrisburg. As it evolves we will share changes that affect our organization.

The Governor's statement did not change any of the due dates for clearances. As such the Cradle of Liberty Council is maintaining the following schedule to complete clearances:

• Per Pennsylvania law, all new volunteers who begin their volunteer service on or after July 1, 2015 must comply prior to the volunteer participating in any activity where he or she will provide care, supervision, guidance or control of children, or routine interaction with children.
• Current council and district leadership, commissioners and merit badge counselors will need to be in compliance prior to September 30, 2015.
• Unit volunteers, except those above, must comply prior to rechartering in December 2015.

Governor's Press Release

http://www.governor.pa.gov/Pages/Pressroom_details.aspx?newsid=1693#.VXiXO_lViko

Child Protective Services Law implementation plan and FAQ for the Cradle of Liberty Council

http://www.colbsa.org/PALaw