Clearances are a state requirement for all individuals working or volunteering with youth within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  The links contained within this section will guide you toward the resources necessary to obtain your clearances. All clearances must be submitted before you are allowed to attend onsite programming. Some clearances take longer than others to process, so please be mindful of the lead times noted below.

 

State Police Criminal Record Check (SP_CRC)

• • The SP_CRC is required for all individuals working with youth. 

  • This clearance can be submitted online or via paper form.

  • Applications take approximately 5 minutes to submit.

  • Applications and instructions for submitting can be found at: https://www.psp.pa.gov/Pages/Criminal-History-Background-Check.aspx

  • Online submissions are processed immediately.

  • Paper submissions take approximately 6 weeks to be processed.

  • Please note that interns are considered volunteers for the purpose of this application.

  • A copy of this clearance must be provided to BTO.

 

Child Abuse History Clearance (AHC)

• • The AHC is required for all individuals working with youth.

  • This clearance can be submitted online or via paper form.

  • Applications take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

  • Applications and instructions for submitting can be found at: https://www.dhs.pa.gov/KeepKidsSafe/Clearances/Pages/PA-Child-Abuse-History-Clearance.aspx

  • Online submissions are processed within 2 weeks.

  • Paper submissions take approximately 6 weeks to be processed.

  • Please note that interns are considered volunteers for the purpose of this application.

  • A copy of this clearance must be provided to BTO.

 

FBI Fingerprinting

• • FBI Fingerprinting is required for all individuals working with youth.

  • This clearance requires an in-person appointment with an Identigo service provider.

  • Setting an appointment online takes about 5 minutes. Appointments typically last 15 minutes.

  • To find locations nearest you and to set a fingerprint processing appointment, visit https://uenroll.identogo.com/

  • Please note that your registration MUST match the information on your ID. 

  • Please double-check for typos before submitting your application.

  • Use service code 1KG6ZJ when registering.

  • A copy of this clearance must be provided to BTO.

  • This clearance takes about 2 weeks to process.

 

National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR)

• • NSOR  is required for all individuals working with youth.

  • Currently, all applicants for NSOR verification must print and fill out the application. 

  • Applications take about 5 minutes to complete.

  • This form can be accessed at: https://www.dhs.pa.gov/KeepKidsSafe/Clearances/Pages/National-Sex-Offender-Registry.aspx

  • All fields of the application must be completed. 

  • Once completed, use one of the following options to submit the application for processing. Bolded options are recommended.

    • Mail to the Clearance Verification Unit, ChildLine at the following address:

      • Department of Human Services, PO Box 8170, Harrisburg, PA  17105-8170;

    • Scan and email the application to: RA-PWNSOR@pa.gov with "NSOR Verification Applicant_(Your Last Name)" in the subject line; or

    • Hand-deliver to the Clearance Verification Unit lobby at: 2525 North 7th Street, Harrisburg, PA. 17110. Free parking is available.

  • Forms take 3-8 weeks to process.

  • A copy of this clearance must be provided to BTO.

 

Mandated Reporter Training

• • Mandated Reporter Training is required for all individuals working with youth.

  • This training can only be completed online using approved sources.

  • BTO recommends using the University of Pittsburgh Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse: Mandated and Permissive Reporting in Pennsylvania Online Training which can be accessed at https://www.reportabusepa.pitt.edu/

  • Training takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

  • The certificate of completion is available immediately after completing the course. Please be sure to download your certificate of completion when you finish this training. 

  • A copy of the certificate must be provided to BTO.