We take the safety of our children very seriously, therefore anyone who volunteers to work with children MUST complete the following process to be in compliance with the “Safe Sanctuaries Policy” put forth through the United Methodist Church. To be eligible, anyone requesting to volunteer must first be a part of the church for six months. The links below are only a partial list of the requirements. Please contact the church office for a full list of requirements.
It is our policy that there will ALWAYS be two Safe Sanctuaries cleared adult with the children.
Procedures for Volunteer Clearances
PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLIC CRIMINAL HISTORY REPORT
- Go to https://epatch.pa.gov/home
- Part way down click on “New record check (Volunteers Only).”
- Follow instructions. (Call the Helpdesk at 1-888-783-7772 if assistance is needed)
- Free of charge once every 57 months if volunteer swears or affirms in writing that: the background certification is necessary to satisfy the requirements of the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law; the volunteer has not received a background certification free of charge within the previous 57 months; and the volunteer understands that the certification shall not be valid or used for any other purpose.
- If not criminal record, clearance will be generated immediately, AND THEN PRINT.
- Original must be reviewed by church for verification of authenticity, and a copy is made, initiated and dated by person viewing it for the church’s records and give the original bad to the individual.
PENNSYLVANIA CHILD ABUSE HISTORY CLEARANCE
- Go to https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home
- This will be completed online
- Create Individual Account and get a Keystone ID
- Continue to do the clearance. Check “Volunteer Having contact with Children.”
- Volunteer Category is “Other”. For Agency Name, put name of your church.
- You will need your Social Security number, email address, phone number, current address, all previous addresses since 1975, and names of all household members with whom you’ve shared a residence since 1975. At least one parent’s name is needed, even if they are deceased.
- Free of charge once every 57 months if volunteer swears or affirms in writing that the background certification is necessary to satisfy the requirements of the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law; the volunteer has not received a background certification free of charge within the previous 57 months; and the volunteer understands that the certification shall not be valid or used for any other purposes.
- If clearance is approved during the online process, you will be able to see and print your clearance. Use your Keyston ID to return to the site.
- Call the helpline at 1-877-343-0494 if assistance is needed.
- Check that you want a copy mailed to you. Clearance certification will come in the mail to the person requesting the report – 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 individual.
- OPTION – If unable to complete the application online, you can print FORM CY133, application for PA Child Abuse History Clearance Application, at http://www.keepkidssafe.pa.gov/ under Resources, click on Forms. Fill it out and mail it in following instructions on the form.