Volunteer Child & Youth Application
According to the Pennsylvania Child Protective Service Law, adults applying for or holding an unpaid position as a volunteer with a child care service, a school or a program, activity or service responsible for the child’s welfare or having direct volunteer contact with children will need certifications. This includes anyone who has routine contact with children (18 years and younger) in our church. For example, the nursery, Sunday school, kids church, Awana, VBS, youth group etc.
The information below is related to Background Checks/Clearances for:
PA CHILD ABUSE HISTORY CLEARANCE (20 Min)
STEP 1: Go to https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home
PA CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK (10 Min)
STEP 2: Go to https://epatch.state.pa.us/
Phone Number: 570-546-5441
Your First Name and Last Name
Address: 5741 Clarkstown Rd Muncy, PA 17756
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT APPLICATION FOR VOLUNTEERS (DSAV)
STEP 3: Read, review, sign and provide it to the office. Click here
FBI CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK (up to 6 weeks)
Additionally, a fingerprint based federal criminal history (FBI) submitted through the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent is NOT required as long as:
· The position the volunteer is applying for is an unpaid position; AND
· The volunteer has been a resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the entirety of the previous 10 years.
If either of the above is not true of you then proceed to step 4.
STEP 4: Go to www.pa.cogentid.com//index_dpw.htm .
The information below is related to Background Checks/Clearances for:
- PA Child Abuse History Clearance (CY113)
- PA Criminal Record Check (SP4-164)
- Disclosure Statement Application for Volunteers (DSAV)
- FBI Criminal Background Check
PA CHILD ABUSE HISTORY CLEARANCE (20 Min)
STEP 1: Go to https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home
- Create an Individual Account. You will need a personal email. Once you have created an individual account with your email received your initial password, go back to above site and click “Individual Login” and complete the online application. Be prepared to list your addresses and those who have lived with you dating back to 1975 to the present. Simply follow the instructions. Once you receive your certification via email, print off a copy and provide it to the office.
PA CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK (10 Min)
STEP 2: Go to https://epatch.state.pa.us/
- Click on the yellow icon marked “New Record Check” for volunteers only link.
- Simply follow the instructions. Use the below organization information:
Phone Number: 570-546-5441
Your First Name and Last Name
Address: 5741 Clarkstown Rd Muncy, PA 17756
- Be sure to print out a copy and provide it to the church office.
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT APPLICATION FOR VOLUNTEERS (DSAV)
STEP 3: Read, review, sign and provide it to the office. Click here
FBI CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK (up to 6 weeks)
Additionally, a fingerprint based federal criminal history (FBI) submitted through the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent is NOT required as long as:
· The position the volunteer is applying for is an unpaid position; AND
· The volunteer has been a resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the entirety of the previous 10 years.
If either of the above is not true of you then proceed to step 4.
STEP 4: Go to www.pa.cogentid.com//index_dpw.htm .
- Follow instructions.
Some FAQs:
How often do I need to renew my certifications? Beginning August 25, 2015, all volunteers will be required to obtain certifications every 60 months.
Can I use a child abuse history certification or PSP criminal history I obtained for my volunteer activities for other volunteer activities? Yes, any person who obtained their certifications within the previous 60 months may serve in a volunteer capacity for any program, activity or service.
Is the person responsible for acceptance of volunteers required to keep a copy of my certifications? Yes, pursuant to § 6344.2 (b), the employer, administrator, supervisor or other person responsible for employment decisions or acceptance of the individual to serve in any capacity requiring certifications, shall maintain copies of the required information and require the individual to produce the required documents prior to employment or acceptance to serve in any such capacity, except provisional employees for limited periods as described in § 6344.2 (f) and outlined above. An employer, administrator, supervisor or other person responsible for selection of volunteers that intentionally fails to require an applicant to submit the required certification before the applicant’s hiring commits a misdemeanor of the third degree.
Agencies are reminded that the Child Abuse certification information is confidential and may not be released to other individuals.
Can an agency or organization institute additional standards? Yes, nothing prohibits an organization or person responsible for a program, activity or service from requiring establishing additional standards.
How often do I need to renew my certifications? Beginning August 25, 2015, all volunteers will be required to obtain certifications every 60 months.
Can I use a child abuse history certification or PSP criminal history I obtained for my volunteer activities for other volunteer activities? Yes, any person who obtained their certifications within the previous 60 months may serve in a volunteer capacity for any program, activity or service.
Is the person responsible for acceptance of volunteers required to keep a copy of my certifications? Yes, pursuant to § 6344.2 (b), the employer, administrator, supervisor or other person responsible for employment decisions or acceptance of the individual to serve in any capacity requiring certifications, shall maintain copies of the required information and require the individual to produce the required documents prior to employment or acceptance to serve in any such capacity, except provisional employees for limited periods as described in § 6344.2 (f) and outlined above. An employer, administrator, supervisor or other person responsible for selection of volunteers that intentionally fails to require an applicant to submit the required certification before the applicant’s hiring commits a misdemeanor of the third degree.
Agencies are reminded that the Child Abuse certification information is confidential and may not be released to other individuals.
Can an agency or organization institute additional standards? Yes, nothing prohibits an organization or person responsible for a program, activity or service from requiring establishing additional standards.