Volunteer Clearances in Pennsylvania, Explained

If you volunteer to coach or work with children in a Pennsylvania youth sports program, you will likely be asked to obtain background clearances. The requirements can seem confusing at first, but the process is straightforward once you understand it. Here is an overview to help you get started. Your program will tell you exactly what your role requires.

Why clearances are required

Pennsylvania's Child Protective Services Law requires many adults who work or volunteer with children to obtain clearances. The law was strengthened in 2014 and 2015 to better protect children. Clearances help ensure that adults who are responsible for children's welfare do not have a history that would put children at risk.

Who needs clearances

Generally, adult volunteers who are responsible for the welfare of a child or have direct contact with children in a program need clearances. In youth sports, that typically includes coaches, assistant coaches and others who supervise children. Your program can tell you whether your role requires clearances.

The three clearances

Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance

This clearance is obtained through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. It checks whether you are listed in the statewide database as a perpetrator of child abuse. The application can be completed online.

Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Record Check

This check, obtained through the Pennsylvania State Police, reviews your criminal history in Pennsylvania. It can also be completed online, often with immediate results.

FBI Criminal Background Check

The FBI check requires fingerprinting at an approved location. It checks for criminal history nationwide. Under Pennsylvania law, volunteers may be exempt from the FBI check if they have lived in Pennsylvania continuously for the past ten years and sign a disclosure statement affirming they have not been convicted of certain offenses. Volunteers who have not lived in Pennsylvania for ten years generally need the FBI check.

Cost

Pennsylvania has waived fees for the Child Abuse History Clearance and the State Police check for volunteers in many cases. FBI fingerprinting may involve a fee. Check current fees when you apply, as they can change.

How often to renew

Clearances generally must be renewed every five years. Your program will keep track of when your clearances expire and remind you to renew them.

Other requirements

In addition to clearances, many programs require volunteers to:

• Complete training on recognizing and reporting child abuse.
• Complete concussion awareness training, such as the CDC HEADS UP course.
• Follow a code of conduct.

Mandated reporting

Many adults who work with children in Pennsylvania are mandated reporters, meaning they are legally required to report suspected child abuse. Reports can be made to ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313, available twenty-four hours a day. Training on recognizing and reporting abuse helps volunteers understand their responsibilities.

Getting started

The best time to start the clearance process is well before the season begins. Some checks are processed quickly, while others take longer. Keep copies of your clearances, and provide them to your program as requested.

Protecting children

Clearances are one part of a broader commitment to keeping children safe. They show families that the adults working with their children have been screened and that the program takes safety seriously. Thank you for taking this important step as a volunteer.