Background Checks for Coaches and Volunteers

Wilson Youth Softball requires that all coaches and volunteers must obtain the following clearances:

• Report of criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP); and

• Child Abuse History Clearance from the Department of Human Services (Child Abuse).

Additionally, a fingerprint based federal criminal history (FBI) submitted through the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent is required if the volunteer has lived outside the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the last 10 years.

Coaches and volunteers who are not required to obtain the FBI Clearance because they have been a continuous resident of Pennsylvania for the past 10 years must swear or affirm in writing that they are not disqualified from service based upon a conviction of an offense under §6344.

How much will the clearances cost?

Effective July 25, 2015, the PSP and Child Abuse clearance fee will be waived for anyone who is volunteering to work with children. The cost of the FBI Clearance for those who need it is $27 and is paid by the volunteer.

What is the renewal requirement for clearances?

Beginning July 1, 2015 all coaches and volunteers will be required to obtain clearances every 36 months. Volunteers are required to obtain updated clearances as follows:
• Within 36 months of the date of the most recent certification;
• By July 1, 2015 if their clearance is older than 36 months; or
• By July 1, 2015 if they have not received a clearance because they previously were not required to obtain clearances.

How do I obtain my clearances?

PENNSYLVANIA BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENTS

1: PA Child Abuse History Clearance (free):

Form found at www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis

(Click the link for an “Individual Login” or “Create Individual Account” if you do not have one.)

2: PA Criminal Record Check (free):

Form found at https://epatch.state.pa.us (Click “New Record Check Volunteers Only”)

If there is no record, you will receive a downloadable document indication “no record.” If there is a criminal record, your results may take a couple weeks.

3: Disclosure Statement or FBI Fingerprint Clearance: One of these options must be completed even if clearances came from another organization:

Option 1: If you have been a resident of the Commonwealth of PA for AT LEAST the past 10 YEARS, complete, sign and submit the “Disclosure Statement for Volunteers” form which can be downloaded and printed by clicking here.

Option 2: If you have NOT been a resident of the Commonwealth of PA for AT LEAST the past 10 YEARS, you will be required in accordance with PA Law to obtain an FBI federal background clearance (Criminal History Record Information (CHRI)) which involves fingerprinting. The cost is $18. To complete this process, use the following website and follow the steps:

How often do I need to renew my clearances?

Beginning July 1, 2015, all volunteers will be required to obtain clearances every 60 months.

What to do once I have obtained my clearances?

Once you have received your PSP and Child Abuse clearances, please scan the documents or take a photograph of them and email the results to WilsonYouthSoftball@gmail.com.