Every congregation in the Susquehanna Conference is required to adopt, implement, and regularly review a Safe Sanctuaries policy that covers ministries with children, youth, and vulnerable adults. At a minimum, churches are expected to:

• Maintain a current Safe Sanctuaries policy (reviewed every 5 years)
• Ensure background clearances are up to date
• Provide required training for clergy, staff, and volunteers
• Follow established procedures for reporting and responding to concerns

See the Conference Policies & Procedures for support.

Pennsylvania Child Protection Laws & Clearances
Pennsylvania law requires background clearances for all clergy, paid staff, and volunteers age 14 and older who work with children or youth. These requirements apply regardless of years of service or length of residency.

Required Clearances (Every 5 Years):

• Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Report
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
• FBI Criminal History Report (Fingerprint-based)

• • Required for all pastors and church employees (regardless of how long they have lived in PA)
  • Volunteers who have lived in PA for 10 consecutive years may submit a notarized Volunteer Affidavit in place of fingerprinting.

Mandated Reporting
Clergy and many church workers are mandated reporters under Pennsylvania law.

• Suspected child abuse must be reported immediately to PA ChildLine
  • Phone: 1-800-932-0313
  • Online: Child Welfare Portal
• Form CY-47 is Pennsylvania’s official reporting form

Resources and training are available to help mandated reporters understand their responsibilities.

Media & Crisis Response
If you are contacted by the media regarding an incident or allegation, DO NOT respond directly and immediately contact the Conference Director of Communications at (717) 766-7441 or media@susumc.org.