Protecting God's Children

To volunteer for any programs involving youth, follow the procedure below
Step 1: Register and complete the Online Youth Protection Program Course at https://www.virtusonline.org/virtus/reg_2.cfm?theme=0&org=37531 (This will take about an hour)

Step 2: Print and complete the Online Youth Protection Program Forms: These are attached to the bottom of this page.

Application (Employee & Volunteers)
Code of Conduct (Employee & Volunteers)
Ministry Reference Form [to be completed by a parish representative or reliable reference] (Employee & Volunteers)
CPSL Volunteer Disclosure Statement (for Volunteers only)
Disclosure and Authorization to complete a national background check (for Volunteers only)

Step 3. Please complete the following clearances (links and instructions below):
PART I - Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check:
1. Visit https://epatch.state.pa.us/ (Do not do in CHROME)
2. Please choose according to your role:

Volunteers click on the yellow box "New Record Check" (free for volunteers only)
Employees: click on the grey box "Submit a N`ew Record Check" (Fee $22.00)

                        Hints: When you get to the pages that says "Record Check Details" scroll down a bit and
                                         you will see a link to a Certification Form. Click on that link, follow directions and
                                         print the actual certificate.
PART II - PA Department Child Abuse History Certification:
1. Go to https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home
2. Click on "Create a New Account" and choose your role
                      (Fees are waived for volunteers; for employment purposes, fee is $13.00)

You will need to create "Keystone ID" - this is like a user name - it is not a password.
After you fill in the information requested, the state will send you a temporary password through the mail. You will need to use the Keystone ID (user name) and the temporary password to sign back into the web site to create your own password.
You must log back in to the website using your user name and your password to actually apply for the clearance. Record your Keystone ID and password and keep for future reference. Reports can be obtained both online and in the mail.

Step 4: Obtain FBI Clearances -
If you have lived OUTSIDE of the State of Pennsylvania for any period of time (including college) over the last 10 years, you MUST do an FBI Clearance. The FBI clearance is required for employees and volunteers ONLY if a resident lived in Pennsylvania for less than 10 years.

Visit https://uenroll.identogo.com/
Please refer to the "New FBI Helpful Hints" document
The applicant will need to have a code. See the chart below.
Fees vary on type of application $22 - $25, dependent of the code used.
Appointments can be made on-line (recommended); walk-in options vary by site.
Each county has designated vendors for fingerprinting.
In about two weeks you will receive the results. Keep the original; you can submit a photocopy.

Step 5: Mandated Reporter Training

This is a 3-hour training, once you start the training, you can save your work and restart. You will need to register and create an account and send in certificate when completed: http://www.socialwork.pitt.edu/researchtraining/child-welfare-education-research-programs/act-31-line-training You will need to print the certificate when you finish the program.

Step 6: Drop off Paperwork - Drop off all the above paperwork to the parish office. We'll copy and mail it for you. Put it all in an envelope with your name, marked "Clearances" A complete file should include:

Coversheet for Volunteers/Employees
Employee/Volunteer Application
Code of Conduct
Ministry Reference Form
State Police Clearances
ChildLine Clearances
FBI Clearances OR FBI Release Form
Certificate of Completion from Mandated Reporter Training

YOUTH PROTECTION FORMS