Child Safety Policy
The purpose of the CRPR Child Safety Policy is to ensure the safety of Centre Region Parks and Recreation patrons, under 18 yrs., by stipulating the proper qualifications and training for the staff and volunteers who manage and operate CRPR facilities and programs. This policy also incorporates the Child Safety Guidelines adopted in 2015 by the Centre Region Council of Governments (CRCOG). The CRPR Child Safety Policy applies to (1) CRPR Employees (ages 14 years and older, FT and PT, year-round and seasonal) responsible for the welfare of children or who come into direct contact with children. This includes Directors, Managers, Supervisors, Staff Assistants, Program Coordinators, Park Specialists, Summer Camp Staff, Aquatics/Pool Staff, Program Leaders, Interns, and Seasonal Maintenance (Note: Seasonal Maintenance Staff are only required to submit the PA Criminal Background Check and the PA Child Abuse Clearance. Child safety training is recommended). (2) CRPR-Contracted Vendors and Individuals (ages 14 yrs. and over) who are responsible for the welfare of children or who come into direct contact with children. This includes Umpires and Referees (those working with youth activities), Program Instructors (those working with youth activities), Summer Camp Vendors. (3) CRPR-Supervised Volunteers (ages 18 yrs. and older) who are volunteering for an agency-organized event that will be responsible for the welfare of children or will have direct contact with children, except as noted below: Community groups who volunteer to perform or assist with park maintenance projects and tasks are exempt from this policy, including Park Partner groups, Spring Spruce-Up Day groups, Day of Caring groups, and other community-based volunteer initiatives, Independent organizations and their associates visiting or renting CRPR facilities, not associated with a CRPR-operated program or event (i.e., a public or group event involving youth and conducted in a park by an organization), Independent contractors and their associates providing activities or services that are not organized by CRPR (i.e., a youth sports tournament organized and operated by a separate organization). It is noted that those individuals and groups exempt from this CRPR Policy still have a responsibility for Child Safety as provided in all applicable state and federal laws.
Required Clearances & Criminal History Checks
Once an applicant is offered employment, the following clearances (noted below) must be provided prior to the employees start date. If the clearances are not in place at the start of employment, a receipt of the criminal history check must be provided to Centre Region Parks and Recreation. A provider may hire a person for employment on a provisional basis, pending receipt of a criminal history check, provided certain criteria are met. If you have copies of clearances, please note that on your application. You do not need to provide these documents until an offer is made. The following documents are required:
- Child Abuse Clearance, PA Department of Health and Human Services
Typical Fee: $13 (employees) $0 (volunteers) - Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check
Typical Fees: $22 (employees) $0 (volunteers) - FBI Criminal Record Check (requires fingerprints)
Click HERE for helpful instructions.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The return time on these checks can be 3-5 weeks.
Typical Fee: $23 + tax
- For volunteers, fees may be waived if pending conditions specified by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services are met. Volunteers are responsible for requesting free certifications.
- Per the PA Department of Human Services, employed minors, ages 14-17 yrs., are exempt from FBI Criminal Record Check if they have been a resident of PA during the entirety of the previous 10-year period, have received an FBI certification at any time since residency in PA, and can provide a copy of said certification to CRPR. FBI Affidavit Waiver Form
- Per the PA Department of Human Services, volunteers are exempt from FBI Criminal Record Check if they have been a resident of PA during the entirety of the previous 10-year period and swear or affirm in writing that they are not disqualified from services based upon a conviction of an offense under §6344. FBI Affidavit Waiver Form
Once an employee begins work, all clearance documents must be updated every five (5) years to remain compliant with state regulations. To begin the five-year renewal cycle each current employee and each newly-hired employee must provide updated clearances dated within the last 6 months.
Review the CRPR Child Safety Policy.
For general questions, contact staff at (814) 231-3071 or email crpr@crcog.net.