Child Protection Screening 

Employee & Volunteer Child Protection Information

RISK MANAGEMENT GOAL: Reduce your liability and the possibility of being found negligent in the hiring, retention, and selection of employees and volunteers. 

  • Volunteers for Children Act of 1998 states that organizations can be held liable for crimes committed by volunteers; organizations working with children should be conducting background checks on staff and volunteers.

  • National Child Protection Act 2000 recommends background checks to any organization working with children (public or private).

  • PA House Bill #435 states that an employer or individual who intentionally fails to require an applicant for employment or volunteer service to submit the required certifications commits a misdemeanor of the 3rd degree.

RESOURCES

FAQs

EMPLOYEE SCREENING

Q: Who needs to submit a background check for an employee position involving children?
A: All individuals 14 years of age or older applying for a paid position as an employee responsible for the welfare of a child or having direct contact with children are required to submit the following information:

  1. PA Statewide Criminal Record Check - PATCH ($10)

  2. Child Abuse Clearance Check with PA Child Welfare ($10)

  3. Federal Criminal History Report - FBI Finger Printing

    • Must be submitted to PA State Police

    • For directions on digital fingerprinting, click HERE.

  4. Mandated Reporter Training (every 5 years)

    • Complete through PA Child Welfare Resource Center - Pitt.

Once employed, these certifications will need to be renewed every 60 months.

VOLUNTEER SCREENING

Q: Who needs to submit a background check for a volunteer position involving children?
A: All individuals 18 years of age or older who apply for an unpaid volunteer position responsible for the welfare of a child or having direct contact with children must submit the same information as required for employees, including:

  1. PA State Police Criminal Record Check

  2. Child Abuse Clearance Check with PA Child Welfare

  3. Mandated Reporter Training (every 5 years)

However, if the following three conditions apply, the volunteer will only need the PA Criminal History Report, Child Abuse Certification, and Mandatory Reporter Training:

  1. The volunteer position is unpaid.

  2. The prospective volunteer has been a Pennsylvania resident for at least 10 years immediately prior to applying.

  3. The prospective volunteer swears or affirms in writing that they are not disqualified from service under the provisions of the law (this will be completed via a consent form).

Once accepted as a volunteer, certifications will need to be renewed every 60 months.

SCREENING OPTIONS

To complete your background checks, here are the available options:

  1. PA State Police Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse Clearance Check can be done through Protect My Ministry.
    Go to Protect My Ministry Page for more information.

  2. PA State Police Criminal Record Check:

  3. PA Child Abuse History Clearance:

    • Complete your clearance through the PA Department of Child Welfare.

  4. FBI Fingerprinting Registration and Find Fingerprinting Locations:

    • Visit Identogo for fingerprinting registration and to find local locations.

Got More Questions?

If you have further questions or need assistance with the screening process, feel free to reach out to us directly. We're here to help!