ARCHIVE – New Birth of Freedom Council, BSA Website for the New Birth of Freedom Council, BSA
Before Reviewing the Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s some terminology that might help:
Act 153, Act 15, PA mandated Background checks – PA Act 153 of 2014 required, among other things, specific background checks for adults working with children. On July 1, 2015, PA Act 15 of 2015 became law and amends much of Act 153. We will refer to this combination of laws, referring to the background checks, as PA-mandated Background Checks. Many resources still refer to Act 153, while a few reference Act 15.
Background checks, clearances, documents, and certifications are used interchangeably in various papers and websites that address the PA-mandated background checks. Certifications have replaced clearances, documents, and background checks in the wording of the law and most websites.
Unit – is a Scouting term and refers to Cub Scout Packs, Scouts BSA Troops, Venturing Crews, Sea Scout Ships, STEM Scouts labs, and Explorer Posts.
Chartered organization – is a community organization that New Birth of Freedom Council partners with to deliver the Scouting programs – if you are not familiar with the concept, think “sponsor.”
These additional clearances add extra layers of protection to the Boy Scouts of America’s comprehensive Youth Protection Program – and that’s a good thing for our Scouts. It does take a little extra time and effort to understand and comply with the requirements – but it’s the law! New Birth of Freedom Council is committed to helping our volunteers through every step of the process.
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