Clearances

1. Report of criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP); and
2. Child Abuse History Clearance from the Department of Human Services (Child Abuse).

Additionally, a fingerprint based federal criminal history (FBI) submitted through the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent is required if the volunteer has lived outside the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the last 10 years. Volunteers who are not required to obtain the FBI Clearance because;

1. They are applying for an unpaid position and
2. have been a continuous resident of Pennsylvania for the past 10 years must swear or affirm in writing that they are not disqualified from service based upon a conviction of an offense under §6344.

(The above information was taken from this brochure: Volunteers | Frequently Asked Questions)

From Pennsylvania Department of Human Services:

• Clearances that have been obtained in Pennsylvania within the past 60 months are acceptable and considered current.
• Clearances obtained for employment purposes are acceptable for volunteer purposes.
• Clearances obtained for volunteer purposes are not acceptable for employment purposes.
• Clearances for employment purposes are $8. Background check fees for volunteers are waived one time within a 5-year period. Refunds are not provided for applicants who submit overpayments with their background check paper applications.