PROCEDURES FOR VOLUNTEER CLEARANCES TO MEET THE NEW PA LAW REQUIREMENTS:
1. PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE CRIMINAL HISTORY REPORT
a. Go to https://epatch.state.pa.us
b. Left hand side, part way down under Credit Card Users, click on “Submit a new record check”.
c. Follow instructions.
d. $10 Fee.
e. If no criminal record, clearance will be generated immediately, AND THEN PRINT.
f. Original must be reviewed by church for verification of authenticity, and a copy is made, initialed and
dated by person viewing it for the church’s records and give the original back to the individual.
2. PENNSYLVANIA CHILD ABUSE HISTORY CLEARANCE
The application will require all previous addresses since 1975 (in full) and all household members you have
lived with since 1975. Please gather this information prior to applying.
a. Go to http://www.compass.state.pa.us/CWIS
b. Select “Child Welfare Portal”
c. Create a New Account - follow instructions to create a Keystone ID; you will be emailed a
confirmation with a temporary password. Sign-in with your Keystone ID and Password.
d. “Accept” the Terms and Conditions
e. Select “Create a Clearance Application”
f. Choose “Volunteer” as the purpose and complete application
g. $10 Fee
h. The report will be emailed directly to you. Original must be reviewed by church for verification of
authenticity, and a copy is made, initialed and dated by person viewing it for the church’s records
and give the original back to the individual.
3. FBI CRIMINAL HISTORY REPORT (Fingerprint-based background check)
a. Go to https://www.pa.cogentid.com
b. Click on the second box on the top row (PA Dept of Public Welfare).
c. Register on-line (to right of page)
d. Leave Agency ID blank. Enter Agency Name: Grace UM Church, 433 E. Main Street, Hummelstown,
PA 17036
e. Select Reason “Employment with significant likelihood of regular contact with children”
f. $25.75 Fee
g. Print Registration Form
h. You must take the registration form and your driver’s license to a fingerprint location.
i. Use this site to find a fingerprint location and check hours
j. Closest location to Grace is: UPS Store, 4900 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Phone number: (717) 731-0555; Hours M-F 9:00 am - 5:30 pm and Sat 9:00 am - 1:30 pm.
b. Report will come in the mail – Original must be reviewed by church for verification of authenticity, and
a copy is made, initialed and dated by person viewing it for the church’s records and give the original
back to the individual.
e. NOTE: The FBI Criminal History Report is not required for incumbent or prospective volunteers who
have resided in Pennsylvania continuously for a period of 10 years prior to becoming a volunteer or
applying for volunteer status and who sign an Affidavit affirming that they have not committed certain
crimes that otherwise would prohibit them from being a volunteer responsible for the welfare of a child
or having direct contact with children. This Affidavit has been prepared by the Conference’s legal
counsel and will be provided to you.
4. All three clearances must be obtained EVERY 36 months.