LEWISBURG — School districts across the state are wrestling with implementation of volunteer clearances required by the new child protection laws. Churches, scout troops, and other organizations that rely on volunteers to work with children also fall under the new requirements. Rev. Dr. James King, pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Lewisburg says groups will now have to plan ahead, “It’s going to require more discipline and more intentional recruitment of volunteers.”
The law requires volunteers who have direct contact such as the care, supervision, guidance or control of children or routine interaction with them to have a background check and a child abuse history clearance after July 1, 2015.
Some residents believe the state is not prepared for the onslaught of applications that will arrive after July 1. That may result in delays in processing application. King believes it will be challenging for everyone in this first year, “In first hearing about it, it was like, ‘oh my, this is going to be a challenge.’ But just because it’s a challenge and an administrative headache doesn’t mean that it’s a bad thing.”
Information about the new requirements can be found here. Details about how to apply for clearances can be found here. (Jennifer Wakeman)