Hope Academy teaching artists, staff and volunteers are required to submit verification of required clearances prior to the beginning of the fall term in September.
Clearances that have been obtained in Pennsylvania within the past 60 months are considered “current.”
This information was updated on September 14,2022 to reflect changes in clearance requirements and fees; and new vaccine requirement.
REQUIRED FOR TEACHING ARTISTS, STAFF and VOLUNTEERS
- Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 33). Online submission.
- Pennsylvania State Criminal Record Check (Act 34).Online submission
- Federal Criminal History Record (Act 114). Multi-step process includes an online registration followed by an in-person appearance for digital fingerprinting. This clearance is required for staff who directly supervise children and youth.
- Mandated Reporter Training – virtual sessions either self-pace or with a live trainer
When you have electronic copies (jpeg or pdf) of all of your clearances and mandated reporter certificate of completion, upload them to the Staff Form that will be emailed to you. If you are waiting for your Federal Criminal History Record Check clearance to be returned, you can upload the tracking number on the receipt.
You will also need to attend an East Liberty Presbyterian Church Child Safety Training.
DETAILS FOR ALL CLEARANCES
1. Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 33)
Fee for Teaching Artists and Staff – $13 Fee for Volunteers – Free
Log into the Child Welfare Information Solution (CWIS) self-service portal. In the “Welcome to the Child Welfare Portal” click on “Create A New Individual Account” and follow the prompts to set up an account which will allow you to request the child-abuse clearance. You will need an email address to create an account and a credit or debit card for payment. Applicants will receive their results through an automated system and will be able to view and print their results online. This could take up to 14 days.
2. Pennsylvania State Criminal Record Check (Act 34)
Fee for Teaching Artists and Staff – $22 Fee for Volunteers – Free
Log into Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History website . Click on “Submit a New Record Check” (mid-page). You will then need to “accept terms” and then complete the on-line form. A credit card is required to cover the $22 fee. In most instances, you should receive an immediate result if no criminal record exists.
3. Federal Criminal History Record (Act 114) also known as the FBI Fingerprint Clearance
Required for all staff who directly supervise children and youth.
Fee for Teaching Artists and Staff – $25.25 Fee for Volunteers – $23.25
Log into IdentoGO to SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT to be fingerprinted
- Enter your service code to get started: paid staff code:1KG756 volunteer code:1KG6ZJ
- Enter in all personal information.
- For employer, enter “East Liberty Presbyterian Church” with the following address: 116 S. Highland Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
- You can find a location to be fingerprinted by entering your home or work zip code.
- Schedule your appointment.
- IdentiGO Service Confirmation will automatically be emailed to you. Save the email and print out a copy to take with you.
- Payment can be made by money order or credit card at the fingerprint location.
GETTING FINGERPRINTED
- Call before you go to make sure that someone is there to do the fingerprinting (if you don’t have a scheduled appointment).
- Remember to take a current/valid/unexpired picture identification (driver’s license, state photo ID or passport), as well as the registration number and confirmation that was emailed to you
- Your results will be mailed to you. Your registration number can be used to look up and verify results.
4. Mandated Reporter Training
Free self-paced online training, through the University of Pittsburgh Register here
Free online training with a live trainer, through Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance. Requires a three-hour time commitment. There is also a Spanish option. Register here