   Child Abuse New Pa. law requires more school clearances New
Pa. law requires more school clearances  If parents want to help
out at their child's holiday party at school, do they need to
undergo a criminal background check first? This question and
others about the line between volunteer and visitor might become
more difficult to answer starting Wednesday, when a new state
child protective services law takes effect. The law, among other
things, expands background checks for school volunteers and
requires school employees, independent school contractors and
volunteers in direct contact with children to update clearances
every 36 months. It also spells out the duties of teachers and
other "mandated reporters" in reporting suspected child abuse
and the criminal penalties if...