Facts about the PA State Child Abuse Clearance PDF template

The state of Pennsylvania takes child safety very seriously. Children are protected under both state and federal laws. Pennsylvania has gone one step further in child safety. In the state, if you want to volunteer or work with children, certain individuals need to receive a clearance. The PA State Child Abuse Clearance form is necessary to receive clearances.

What Is a PA State Child Abuse Clearance PDF Form Used For?

In Pennsylvania, people who want to work with or volunteer with children must receive a clearance to do so. This step is meant to protect children from known child predators and abusers. After the application for the clearance is submitted, the applicant must wait a few days for it to be processed. The Child Welfare Information Solution branch of the state government has a self-service portal. You can submit an application through that portal.

Who Would Use the PA State Child Abuse Clearance PDF Form?

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Child abuse clearance forms are used by people in Pennsylvania who intend to volunteer with children or work around them. You cannot legally work with or volunteer with children until your clearance form has been processed. This measure helps lower the chances of children being abused.

Organizations are able to use the self-service portal provided by CWIS to make business accounts. These accounts can prepay for people's child abuse clearances. They also have access to results online. It's helpful for organizations to make use of this online portal because it speeds up the volunteer and employee vetting process considerably.

If an organization is prepaying for a person's clearance form, they will receive individual codes to distribute to applicants. After the applicant uses the organization's code, the organization will then be able to see the applicant's results following the processing time. As of July 1, 2018, the cost of these clearances was raised from $8 to $13.

When Should You Use the PA State Child Abuse Clearance PDF Form?

Anyone in Pennsylvania who intends to work or volunteer around children must use a child abuse clearance form. Before an organization can accept an applicant, they need to verify that the clearance form has been processed and approved. The online portal has streamlined the process and quickened its pace.

What Are the Consequences for Not Using a PA State Child Abuse Clearance PDF?

If you do not complete the clearance form, you will not be legally allowed to work around children. The following services require a clearance form to be processed:

• DHS volunteers


• Foster parents


• Prospective adoptive parents


• Employee or contractor for a child care services program


• A daycare provider


• An employee aged 14 or older who cares for or supervises children


• Any individuals at least 18 years of age who spend at least 30 days per year living in a foster parent's home


• Any individuals at least 18 years of age who spend at least 30 days per year living in a prospective adoptive parent's home


• Any individuals at least 18 years of age who spend at least 30 days per year in a childcare home


• Any individuals at least 18 years of age who spend at least 30 days per year in a community home, host home, or family living home

Steps for Filling Out a PA State Child Abuse Clearance PDF Form

• Check one box explaining the purpose of your certification. If you are applying to volunteer or work with an organization or agency, print the agency or organization name. Next to this box, print any applicable payment authorization codes.


• Fill out the attached Consent/Release of Information form. Complete the "Other Address" sections to give the organization or agency access to your certification status.


• Fill out the Applicant Demographic Information section fully. You must disclose your Social Security number so the department can search their state database and see whether your number has been listed in conjunction with any child abuse reports.


• Fill out your home address, mailing address, and contact information. If you're releasing information to an organization or agency, complete the "Other Address" portion as well.


• List previous names you've used, including nicknames and aliases. List any of your previous addresses. Also list your household members, including the parents or guardians who raised you. You must include all household members since 1975, even i not all of these household members live with you at present.


• Sign the bottom of the document and write the date.


• Submit your application through the online web portal or mail it.

Quick Questions

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Is there a difference between volunteer and employment clearances?

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