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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Elisabeth ‘Lisa’ Bennington |
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Bennington’s child protection bill on its way to governor’s desk
Bill requires FBI clearance for foster and adoptive parents
HARRISBURG, Dec. 12 – Legislation introduced by freshman Democrat, state Rep. Lisa Bennington, D-Allegheny, has been approved by both chambers of the General Assembly and is now on its way to the governor’s desk for his anticipated signature.
Bennington’s bill (H.B. 1961) was passed unanimously in the House and the Senate.
The bill would require all foster and adoptive parent applicants to obtain an FBI clearance prior to their approval, Bennington said. Also, any applicants and people over 18 residing in the applicants’ homes who have lived outside Pennsylvania within the past five years would be required to obtain child abuse clearances from the Statewide Central Register, or the equivalent depending on the state in which they had previously resided.
“Adoptive and foster parents have a life-long positive impact on the lives of the children in their care, and they deserve our gratitude and admiration,” Bennington said. “But we must first thoroughly screen any adults who will have access to these children and ensure they have the children’s well-being at heart. We all understand that errors can happen, and the FBI clearance checks are the most thorough means to block potential predators. Children count on those in power to protect them, and that is what my legislation will do.”
Bennington’s bill also includes a provision to have adoptive and foster parents and all household members renew their clearances every 24 months.
In addition to adoptive and foster parents and those in their homes, the legislation would also require an FBI clearance for any person seeking employment in a child-care service, for child-care providers and for people seeking to operate a child care service.
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CONTACT: Nicole Reigelman |