Volunteer Background Checks

In order to work or volunteer for positions that are responsible for the welfare of a child – or have direct contact with children – the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania enacted the Child Protective Services Law. This law stipulates the clearance requirements that are required for anyone providing “permanent or temporary care, supervision, guidance, control or routine interaction with children in the course of their employment or volunteer work”.

This law covers all youth-serving organizations within the Commonwealth – including TYA.

Who is required to comply?

Effective July 1, 2015, Pennsylvania state law requires that all TYA volunteers are required to obtain and provide background clearance checks prior to serving as a volunteer. This includes all registered Coaches and Assistant Coaches, Team Managers, as well as any other volunteers who are interacting with TYA youth members. 

The three-step background clearance process is listed below. NOTE: All child abuse history clearances and state and federal criminal background checks last for 36 months. If you have had background checks that were completed more than 36 months ago, recertification is required.

All TYA volunteers must first complete the Background Clearance Registration questionnaire online (as part of the new LeagueApps registration system). Volunteers will also need to upload electronic copies (PDFs and/or scanned images) of the following required documents listed below.  Similar clearances obtained from other volunteer or employment organizations will also be accepted.

Steps to complete PA mandatory background checks for TYA

  1. Child Abuse History Clearance from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services

        Go to:  https://www.compass.state.pa.us/CWIS/Public/Home

  1. PA State Police Criminal Record Check

        Go to:  https://epatch.state.pa.us

  1. Signed Disclosure Statement Application (if continuous PA resident for ten (10) years)

        Go to:  http://keepkidssafe.pa.gov/cs/groups/webcontent/documents/document/c_160267.pdf

There is no cost to you for this three-step background clearance. However, if you have not lived continuously in Pennsylvania for the last ten (10) years, an FBI Fingerprint-based check is required and is administered for a small fee. Use Service code 1KG6ZJ when completing this process. To find a location that offers fingerprinting services, please visit: https://www.identogo.com/locations

We appreciate your prompt attention to completing these checks in a timely fashion.  If you need assistance or have additional questions, please contact your Sports Director or Chad Shaw, Executive Director of TYA.