According to the PA Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) certain individuals must obtain clearances in order to be employed, be a resource parent (foster or adoptive), or be a volunteer with children. Adults applying for or holding an unpaid position as a volunteer with a child care service, school, program, activity, or service responsible for a child’s welfare or having direct volunteer contact with children will need completed clearances before beginning their program. For this reason, please apply for your clearances as soon as you accept a position.

The information listed here is also appropriate for undergraduate students who plan to participate in a research lab where they will have contact with children.

More information about clearances can be found by visiting any of the below links:

Keep Kids Safe: http://www.keepkidssafe.pa.gov/
Clearnaces Q&A: https://www.dhs.pa.gov/KeepKidsSafe/Pages/FAQ.aspx
Mandated Reporter Training: https://www.dhs.pa.gov/KeepKidsSafe/Pages/Trainings.aspx
Get a Clearance: https://www.dhs.pa.gov/KeepKidsSafe/Clearances/Pages/default.aspx
Applying for Child Protection Clearances,
University of Pittsburgh Office of Human Resources: https://www.hr.pitt.edu/clearances-training/clearance-instructions

Some or all of the following clearances will be required before the intern/volunteer begins work: 

• Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record
  • Immediately processed if applied online, 4+ weeks if applied on paper.
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
  • Results processed within 2 weeks.  
• FBI Criminal History Background Check
  • Results processed within 2-4 weeks.

Obtain Your Clearances:

https://www.dhs.pa.gov/KeepKidsSafe/Clearances/Pages/default.aspx