Work Permits for Youths

WORK PERMIT PROCESS FOR 14-17 YEAR-OLD WORKERS
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Employer Responsibility

You must make an appointment to receive a work permit.

If your child attends Westport Schools please call 508-636-1050 to set up an appointment.

If your child attends another school district but lives in Westport, please call 508-636-1140 ext 4001 to set up an appointment.

The employer must keep the original permit on file at the place of employment as long as the minor is employed at that location or until the minor reaches the age of 18.

If the minor’s employment is terminated, voluntarily or otherwise, the employer must return the permit to the superintendent’s office within two days of the termination. If and when the employer returns the permit, there is not a law that specifies any requirements for maintaining permits. Typically, most schools keep them on file until the minor turns 18.

Permits are valid as long as the minor holds the job or until he or she reaches the age of 18. At that time, the minor no longer needs documentation and the permit and copies may be destroyed.

Minors who are no longer students are covered by the child labor laws in the same way that students of the same age are covered.

 

Transferring Permits

Minors cannot transfer a permit given for one job to another job. The process must begin again, even if the employer is the same but the work location has changed. An employer who wishes to employ a minor at more than one location must keep a permit on file at each business location.

However, a minor does not have to apply for a new employment permit at the beginning of the school year if they have the same job.