Volunteer Requirements

Casa for Kids

Criminal Background Clearances

Prospective volunteers may be required to complete 3 different criminal history background clearances before beginning their volunteer duties. The 3 clearances, which must all be current (dated within the past 1 year), include:

  • Act 33: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
  • Act 34: Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Records Check
  • Act 73: FBI Criminal Background Check

Mandated Reporter Training

As part of the requirements of becoming a volunteer, you must complete the mandated reporter training.

 

Act 33: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance

Time required: 2-3 weeks
Cost: Waived one time in a 5-year period
ReaGo to www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home

  • Create a Keystone ID account
  • This account will be used to check the status of your clearance application and for future website use.
  • Once created, you will receive an email confirmation and temporary password; you must wait to receive this information before moving forward with your application.
  • Click on the Child Welfare Portal link within your email.
  • Select Login
  • Select Access My Clearances
  • Select Continue after scrolling down to the bottom of the page.
  • Re-enter your Keystone Id and temporary password; you will then be prompted to create a permanent password.
  • Once your permanent password is created, you will be redirected back to the login page; enter your new password and Keystone ID.
  • Agree to the Terms and Conditions
  • Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Continue.
  • Select Create Clearance Application.
  • Follow the instructions outlined on the website to complete the application.
  • Select Volunteer Having Contact with Children: Applying for the purpose of volunteering as an adult for an unpaid position as a volunteer with a child-care service, a school or a program, activity or service, as a person responsible for the child’s welfare or having direct volunteer contact with children as the purpose.
  • Select Other as the Volunteer Category.
  • Input CASA as the Agency Name
  • After submitting all the information, select Submit Application.
Act 34: Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Records Check

Time required: 3-4 weeks

Cost: Free for Volunteers

Reason for request: Volunteer – New Record Check

Online Method: Click here to go to the site.

Results are returned immediately if no record exists.

For application: www.dhs.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx

Act 73: FBI Criminal Background Check

You must register BEFORE you arrive for fingerprinting. Registration is available online 24 hours a day seven days per week.

  • Go to https://uenroll.identogo.com
  • Enter service code – 1KG6ZJ
  • Answer all the questions given on each page and click Next.
  • Search for an Enrollment Center for a location for fingerprinting and then click Next.
  • Select Date and Select Time for fingerprinting appointment or check box for Walk-In (scheduled appointments take priority over walk-ins).
  • Hit Submit.
  • You will be prompted to confirm the appointment. Your payment of $27.50 will be made at the IdentiGo by Morpho Trust Center via credit card, debit card or money order. No cash or personal checks will be accepted.
  • Print the enrollment screen (you will also receive an email from IdentoGo confirming the appointment).

If there is a delay in getting the clearance, call IdentoGo/Morpho Trust: 1-855-845-7434 (FBI Digital Fingerprinting).

Mandated Reporter Training

As part of the requirements of becoming a volunteer, you must complete the mandated reporter training. The training takes about 3 hours, but you do not have to complete it all at one time. Once you have completed the training, you will receive a certificate of completion. That certificate needs to be sent to our office to be added to your volunteer file. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us.

Pennsylvania Child Welfare Resource Center


What are the next steps of the process after I submit my application?

  • You will receive a confirmation email once your application has been successfully submitted. Please save this confirmation email for your personal records as proof of submission.
  • The PA Department of Human Services will process your application and you will receive email notification of the outcome within 14 days. You can review the submitted application at any time through your Child Welfare Account.
  • Once you receive email notification of your completed application, please follow the instructs to provide a copy to CASA.

If you have trouble accessing the Child Welfare Portal website at any point, please contact the DHS Help Line at 1-877-343-0494. Between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday.