Volunteer Clearances
Clearances are needed for anyone coming in to volunteer. Clearances expire after 5 years.
The clearances needed are:
FBI Federal Criminal History Record
IdentoGO is Pennsylvania's new vendor for digital fingerprinting. You can register and be fingerprinted at an IdentoGO location. You do not need an appointment to be fingerprinted, but you must pre-register. Once you are pre-registered, you may visit any location during operating hours.
If you've lived in the state of PA for 10 years and haven't been convicted of any crimes you may complete the Volunteer Certification form in place of the FBI Federal Criminal History Record.
All school Volunteers must now obtain a volunteer Service Code from the PA Dept of Human Services (DHS). To obtain a volunteer Service Code, individuals must contact DHS directly at 1-877-371-5422 or RA-PWCPSLQUESTIONS@pa.gov.
PA State Police Criminal Record Request
The Pennsylvania State Police has also established a web-based computer application called "Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History," (PATCH) Using this system, a requestor can apply for a criminal background check on an individual. **Choose Volunteer (it is free)
The Child Welfare Information Service provides a means for individuals to apply for PA Child Abuse History Clearance online and for mandated reporters to report child abuse in Pennsylvania. **Choose Volunteer (it is free)