This email newsletter update provides helpful information from the Bureau of Certification. 
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Important Information from the Bureau of Certification Regarding the National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Verification Certificate and the Waiver Application for Provisional Hire    

With the implementation of the National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) verification process, ChildLine, Clearance Verification Unit continues to work on providing a timely turnaround on NSOR applications. Applicants may experience a delay in receiving their NSOR verification result letter, if the NSOR application submitted to the Clearance Verification Unit requires additional information for processing. Currently, the Clearance Verification Unit has significant pending NSOR applications requiring the applicant’s response on additional data.

NSOR Rejection letters were issued from the Clearance Verification Unit. OCDEL encourages applicants to review their email or mail and ensure they provide the Clearance Verification Unit with the needed missing details on their NSOR applications. Additionally, please assist the Clearance Verification Unit in their need to process the most critical NSOR applicants timely by following these suggestions: 
 
  • When finalizing the NSOR application ensure the purpose for the NSOR application is checked, and include the full mailing address with zip code. These are the two primary reasons for NSOR application rejections.  
  • Applicants are encouraged to call the Clearance Verification Unit when they receive a NSOR rejection letter to update their application at 1.877.371-5422. Information is updated immediately when calling.

  • Do not send in multiple NSOR applications. This will result in multiple NSOR verification letters mailed. The current process is not an automated online process.
 
  • If you are not required to obtain the NSOR verification until later in the year, please hold off on sending in your NSOR application at this time. Current employees are required to obtain the NSOR background clearance by July 1, 2020.

  • Only the applicant can receive the NSOR verification letter. If a provider or agency submits an NSOR application request on behalf of their staff, ChildLine, Clearance Verification Unit will reject the NSOR application and a NSOR application rejection letter is sent to the applicant explaining the additional information needed from the applicant.
  • FBI regulations prohibit the release of the NSOR verification letter to anyone other than the individual applying. 

Effective December 31, 2019 , employers, administrators, supervisors or other persons responsible for employment decisions in a certified child care center, group home or family child care home (child care facility), may not employ applicants on a provisional basis unless the Legal Entity or person responsible for the Legal Entity requests a waiver and receives approval from the Department of Human Services (DHS). The waiver, if approved, is valid as long as the child care facility maintains the same location.

The Legal Entity or person responsible for the Legal Entity who is responsible for employment must submit this application to DHS to request the waiver of the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law 23 Pa. C.S. Section 6344(m) (relating to employees having contact with children; adoptive and foster parents). This form is required for each child care facility that will employ an individual for a provisional hire period not to exceed 45 days.

The application and instructions are available on the Keep Kids Safe website .

Resource Account Reminder for the NSOR and the Provisional Hire Waiver Request :
  • Submit the provisional hire waiver request to the following resource account RA-PWDRACERT@pa.gov Subject Line: PROVISIONAL HIRE WAIVER REQUEST - FACILITY NAME - MPI NUMBER
  • Some applicants have been incorrectly sending the provisional hire waiver to the NSOR resource account and this may result in a delay in processing the waiver. 
  • Scan the completed NSOR application and email to: RA-PWNSOR@pa.gov. In the subject line list ‘NSOR Verification Applicant Last Name (i.e., Smith)
  • Some applicants have been incorrectly sending the NSOR application to the provisional hire waiver resource account and this may result in a delay in processing the NSOR verification certificate.  
The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning supports families 
and their children, from prenatal through school age, by using data, research and 
stakeholder guidance to assure high quality services.