Volunteer Clearances

Safety is a top priority at Hope Community Church, especially when it involves our children and youth. Because you are someone who cares greatly about the next generation, we know that you will help us to create the safest environment possible.

For anyone who serves as a volunteer with children and youth, there are now additional processes that are mandated by the state of Pennsylvania. These processes are required for any adult (18 or older) who works with minors. Beginning in 2015, if you are involved with an organization such as your local little league, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, or you simply chaperone a function at your child’s school, you will be required to have these clearances prior to your involvement. The same is true for volunteers at Hope.

• PA Criminal Record Check (free for volunteers)
  https://epatch.pa.gov.
  Need help? Contact the PATCH Helpdesk at 1-888-783-7972.
• PA Child Abuse History Clearance (free for volunteers)
  https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home
  Need help? Contact the CWIS Support Center at 1-877-343-0494.
• FBI Fingerprint-Based Background Check (if you lived outside of PA in the last 10 years)
  https://uenroll.identogo.com
  Use Service Code 1KG6ZJ then click “Schedule or Manage an Appointment.”
  Need help? Contact IdentoGo at 1-844-321-2101.
• Signed Disclosure Statement (if you lived in PA for the last 10 years)
  https://www.dhs.pa.gov/KeepKidsSafe/Resources/Documents/Disclosure%20Statement%20for%20Volunteers.pdf

Clearances are good for five years. Volunteers under 18 years of age do not need clearances. However, if a volunteer turns 18 while serving at Hope, they need to turn in the required items before continuing to serve.

Thank you for your willingness to serve our children and youth. We are grateful for your help in making Hope Community Church the safest place it can be for the next generation.