KEEP IT REAL

Clearances: As of July 25, 2015, PA child abuse clearances and criminal background checks will have no fees for volunteers working with children! This is incredibly helpful to our organization and other programs that need volunteers to work with children. If interested in more details, check the article here: https://www.governor.pa.gov/governor-wolf-waives-volunteer-background-check-fee/ 

 

As a tutor for Keep It Real you must have 2 background checks: 

1. PA Child Abuse Clearance

2. PA Criminal Record Check

 

And here is the link for the PA Child Abuse Clearance:

 

https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home

 

Click the box “Create Individual Account.” You will answer basic personal questions and will be given a temporary password. Login and you will have a chance to change your password to something you will remember. Once you are in the portal click, “Access My Clearances.” On the next page click, “Create Clearance Application.” Enter all necessary information and MAKE SURE you note yourself as a volunteer when prompted to avoid all fees. When asked for Agency Name put “Keep It Real.”When it has completed and processed. View the results of your clearance and it should download to a PDF that you can print. 

 

Here is the link for the PA Criminal Background Check:

 

https://epatch.state.pa.us/Home.jsp

 

Click “New Record Check.” If asked, check the box saying you are a volunteer working with children. Volunteer organization name is required for this one so put, “Keep It Real.” Enter all necessary information and click Proceed. It will then have you review all information and submit. The page will then process and state your name and the status of your record. Please print this page for our and your records

 

 

FBI Fingerprint Clearances:

 

https://www.pa.cogentid.com/index.htm

 

Click “Pennsylvania Department of Education.” Click on “Register Online” under the Registration Information tab. Follow steps hereafter and enter your information. Once you have submitted this form with a credit card, you will need to have your fingerprints done. The UPS store on Forbes Ave (next to 7/11) is the closest location, you do NOT need an appointment. Make sure to bring a copy of your request number when you are having your fingerprints done.

 

**If you have lived in PA for more than 10 years, you do not need to get this clearance, however, if you are tutoring at Arsenal YOU NEED TO GET THIS**