Volunteer Clearances
Serving with our kids is one of the best ways to make an impact. Pennsylvania requires background clearances for every volunteer who works with minors, so we’ve laid out each step below. Most people finish everything in a couple of sittings, and the state clearances are free for volunteers. Our usher team also needs these clearances to serve.
Step 1: PA Child Abuse History Clearance
Apply online through the state’s Child Welfare Information Solution (CWIS). Create an account and choose the volunteer application.
Start the Child Abuse Clearance
Free for volunteers
Step 2: PA Criminal History Clearance
Run your record check through Pennsylvania’s PATCH system. Most results come back within minutes.
Start the Criminal History Check
Free for volunteers
Step 3: FBI Clearance
Register for Fingerprinting
Fingerprinting carries a small fee. Bring us your receipt and we’ll reimburse you.
Step 4: Mandated Reporter Training
Complete the free online training at your own pace. In-person options are available as well.
Start the Training
Prefer a different provider? See the full list of approved providers (PDF)
*Ushers: you do not need to
complete this training, only the three clearances above.
Good to know
- Already have valid clearances from your job or another volunteer role? Just bring us copies. There is no need to redo them.
- Save a copy of everything for your own records.
You’re done. What’s next?
Send copies of your completed clearances to kids@freedomchurchmv.com, and we’ll keep them on file. Once everything checks out, we’ll get you scheduled to serve!
Helpful resource: Keep Kids Safe PA