Plymouth Meeting (May 19^th, 2015)— Pennsylvania State Representatives Todd Stephens and Mary Jo Daley announced they will host a Child Protection Event on Tuesday, May 26^th. The event, featuring the Department of Human Services, will be at the Colonial Elementary School, 230 Flourtown in Plymouth Meeting, from 7PM to 9PM. The session comes in conjunction with the Commonwealth’s 23 new child safety laws enacted in 2014.

Beginning July 1, compliance with the new laws will be mandatory for our members as well all youth oriented organizations and agencies throughout the state.  Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer has been working closely with state legislators to help educate its member organizations on what the new laws entail.  The laws now mandate all volunteers and employees who work directly with children must obtain a criminal background check through the State Police and a child abuse clearance from the Department of Human Services.  The laws also require volunteers and employees to report suspected child abuse to the authorities. This includes all soccer coaches, trainers, referees and administrators within Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer.

The Child Protection Event in Plymouth Meeting is intended to help clarify the Child Safety Laws and guide members towards proper compliance.  Department of Human Services Staff will be on hand to explain the changes and answer any questions.

“The direction of these laws is necessary to create a safe and protective environment for our children, but change does require a period of education for our community” said Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer CEO Chris Branscome. “I thank Reps. Stephens and Daley for their efforts to assist us with these transitions.  I hope to see as many members of our soccer community as possible attend this event.”

State Representative Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wyoming) is hosting a similar event this Thursday, May 21st at the Brooks Theater Auditorium at Keystone College from 6PM-8PM.

You must RSVP with us or Reps. Stephens and Daley's offices in order to attend the Plymouth Meeting event. To do so, please click the register button below.

More information about the Pennsylvania Child Protection Laws as well as the background checks can be found at keepkidssafe.pa.gov. How the laws affect is Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer members is available at EPYSA.org.