Federal and State Background Checks and Clearances

According to the PA Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) certain individuals must obtain clearances in order to be employed, be a resource parent (foster or adoptive), or be a volunteer with children. Adults applying for or holding an unpaid position as a volunteer with a child care service, school, program, activity, or service responsible for a child’s welfare or having direct volunteer contact with children will need completed clearances before beginning their program. For this reason, please apply for your clearances as soon as you accept a position.

Expiration and transfers of clearances: All volunteers will be required to obtain clearances every 60 months and any person who obtained their clearances within the previous 60 months may serve in a volunteer capacity for any program, activity, or service. Clearances obtained for volunteer purposes may not be used for employment.

Find more information about clearances here at: Volunteers FAQ’s and http://www.keepkidssafe.pa.gov/

Some or all of the following clearances will be required before the intern/volunteer begins work: 

Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record

Immediately processed if applied online, 4+ weeks if applied on paper.

Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance

Results processed within 2 weeks.  

FBI Criminal History Background Check

Results processed within 2-4 weeks.

Fingerprinting process: www.Identogo.com