Housing is the most difficult resource for people getting out to secure. People with sex offenses find themselves particularly challenged, as they are often forced to choose between substandard housing, remaining in halfway houses, or even homelessness.
We are in the process of creating a list of potential housing options on a city-based level. Please check back for this addition to our Resources page
Many large companies will not hire someone with a sex offense as a matter of policy.
People with felony convictions may have more luck with smaller, non-corporate businesses who do not have such a policy.
These businesses will be more willing to individually consider your situation and history before making a decision to not hire you because of your conviction or because of your status on the registry.
Experiences vary, but the vast majority of people on the registry in PA do not need to fear physical harm from vigilante groups or members in their community.
Very few instances of registry violence are reported.
For what it’s worth, the use of the registry to harass, intimidate, or threaten someone on the registry is a crime and is stressed to the viewer before they see your information.
The peak of sex offense panic and discrimination was a few years ago (though, it could reignite).
Do your best to choose a good area with neighbors that have better things to do than worry about someone’s criminal history.
Consider joining our Fearless meetings on the second Sat of every month from 4-5:30PM. This meeting is open to anyone who has been affected by PA’s registry.
Visit our website for instructions on how to sign up.
Those without net access can call the general PARSOL line at 717 820 2237 to receive the call-in number.
Consider what groups you may already belong to as a way to start your search. Are you a veteran? LBGT? A senior? There are many groups throughout PA doing good work who can point you in the right direction.
The Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA) Delaware Valley Intergroup hosts meetings several times each week for recoverees with legal consequences. More info at https://slaadvi.org/legal.
Only people who have been labeled a Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) or a Sexually Violent Delinquent Child by their sentencing judge will be subject to community notification.
The State Police provide information to the local police department about the former offender’s details and residence
The local police Dept is then responsible for community notification.
Neighbors as well as the directors of schools/daycares will be given a flyer with the following information
Photo of the person labeled an SVP
Name
Offense
Address
Statement that an SVP determination has been made for this person
All other people on the registry will not have community notification.
In the case of Commonwealth v Muniz (2016), the PA Supreme Court ruled that the state’s registry had to be modified only for the people who committed sex offenses before major changes to the registry went into effect on 12/21/2012.
Subchapter I is the part of PA’s Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA or “Megan’s Law”) that applies to people whose crimes occurred on or before 12/20/2012.
In general, the requirements for people subject to H are less invasive.
Subchapter H is the part of SORNA that applies to people whose crimes occurred after 12/20/2012.
More requirements are imposed on the people who fall under Subchapter H.
There is no law that forbids people who are on the registry from having contact with people under 18 years of age.
Parole and probation conditions, however, usually do forbid contact with minors under 18.
Parents can be charged with a crime for leaving their kids unsupervised around certain people with sex offenses.
From the PSP website:
Pennsylvania’s Child Protective Services Law defines the term “child abuse” as intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly…leaving a child unsupervised with an individual, other than the child’s parent, who the actor knows or reasonably should have known:(A) Is required to register as a Tier II or Tier III sexual offender under 42 Pa. C.S. Ch. 97 Subch. H (relating to registration of sexual offenders), where the victim of the sexual offense was under 18 years of age when the crime was committed.(B) Has been determined to be a sexually violent predator under 42 Pa. C.S. § 9799.24 (relating to assessments) or any of its predecessors.(C) Has been determined to be a sexually violent delinquent child as defined in 42 Pa. C.S. § 9799.12 (relating to definitions).(D) Has been determined to be a sexually violent predator under 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.58 (relating to assessments) or has to register for life under 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.55(b) (relating to registration).
People under Subchapter H (offense after 2012) who plan to travel out of state for 7 or more days must report details of their travel plans within 72 hours of travel.
All people on the registry must notify the PSP of travel plans 21 days in advance of international travel.
Check with other State registry laws for that state’s registry requirements..
