Pa. To Waive State Background Check Fees For Volunteers Who Work With Children
By Tony Romeo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Governor Wolf has announced the waiver of state background check fees that were to be charged to volunteers working with children in Pennsylvania.
As part of the changes passed by the legislature in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal, volunteers who work with children will be required to get background checks beginning July 1st.
Now, Governor Wolf has announced that effective July 25th, the fees for volunteers will be waived. In addition, the $10 fee for both child abuse and criminal history checks required of those seeking employment for work with children will be reduced to $8.
FBI clearances are required of volunteers and employees who have not lived in Pennsylvania continuously for ten years. Those fees cannot be waived.
Organizations have expressed concerns that the costs of background checks might discourage volunteering.