The work you may have done to earn cash may not be legal for kids to do now. In fact, if you let your child violate a labor law, you could even go to jail.More >> With summer fast approaching, teens are trying to find jobs. Or parents are hoping their teen finds a job. However, child labor laws have changed. The work you may have done to earn cash may not be legal for kids to do now. In fact, if you let your child violate a labor law, you could even go to jail.More >>
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KTIV) -
If you're under 16 years old, Iowa law requires you to get a work permit, before you get a job.
"We need to be able to verify their date of birth, that they are the age that they are. And as part of that work permit, the employer will also indicate the hours a person will be working and the type of job they do," said Diane Neri, Co-Director of IowaWORKS Greater Siouxland.
Labor officials review those details before the permit is issued. Youth can pick up a permit at the IowaWORKS Greater Siouxland or another Iowa Workforce Development office. Permits are also available in your local high school administration office.
The employer fills out part of the form, including the type of work to be done and the hours worked. It must be signed by the parent and the child, before being returned to the issuing officer for a final review.
Neri said some employers request a work permit for 16 and 17-year-olds even though it's not required. She said many want to have a valid certificate of age on file to be on the safe side.
