PA Clearances

Following is information from the Laurel Highlands Council regarding the PA Law.

The PA Child Protective Services Law changed effective January 1, 2015.  This change requires the BSA to conduct background checks through provider designated by PA per the requirements of the law.  The BSA will continue to use its background checking system, in addition to the checks required for PA. All individuals must upload the required documents into the LHC BSA Online Risk Management System  (link to upload forms and additional info at the bottom of the page).

It is recommended that you install a pdf converter to allow you to print the reports, so you may upload them to the LHC BSA Online Risk Management System.  Free .pdf converters are available from CutePDF and Primopdf . 

Who Is Required to Comply with the New PA Law?

In order to assist you with who is required to comply with the new PA law, Laurel Highlands Council has created a FAQ.  Please note that the requirements of compliance are considerably broader than just those who would traditionally be considered a BSA volunteer. 

Timeline to provide the clearance forms.

All current volunteers, except for those listed above, must be in compliance before re-chartering in December 2020.

Volunteers must provide the following:

• State Police Criminal Record Check

• PA Child Abuse History Clearance

• If PA resident for at least 10 continuous years: a completed Laurel Highlands Council Pennsylvania Resident Volunteer Verification Form. If PA resident for less than 10 continuous years and/or a resident of anywhere other than PA: FBI Criminal Background Check.

How To Obtain Your Background Checks

• • PA State Police Report:   PA State Police Criminal Record Checks cost are no charge and can be obtained online by visiting the State Police web site - Click Here   This clearance will display on your computer screen.  Be sure to print this report to a .pdf or print and scan the form so you submit it to the council digitally. Free .pdf converters are available for download from the web.  

• • Child Abuse History Report: A Child Abuse History Clearances may be made online - Click Here   This is available at no charge.

• • FBI Criminal Background Check: To request an FBI Fingerprint Clearance (approximate cost $27.50): Click Here.   Please note: The previous FBI fingerprint-based background check vendor, Cogent, will no longer be providing the FBI fingerprinting online services for the PA state clearance requirements. Volunteers needing to obtain the FBI fingerprint-based background check should begin the process by visiting Idemia’s website.

    • • Click on “Digital Fingerprinting.” On the next screen, enter the Service Code, which is: 1KG6ZJ.

      • Click on Locate an Enrollment Center first to find the location for providing your fingerprints that is closest to you, this is a resource to find the closest location to you only. The company is continuing to add new fingerprinting locations.

      • Click on Schedule or Manage Appointment.

      • Follow the prompts for completing the required information and printing the registration form to take to the fingerprinting location.

NOTE: If you have been a resident of Pennsylvania for more than 10 years, you do not need to submit to the FBI Criminal Background check. you can fill out the following form instead: Laurel Highlands Council Pennsylvania Resident Volunteer Verification Form (PDF).

How To Receive Approval

• • LHC BSA volunteers must upload copies of your required documents to the LHC BSA Online Risk Management System .  In order to ensure that your files are properly received and recorded, please secure all your documentation before visiting this link and upload your files at the same time.

Following are links to complete noted training/forms. Youth Protection must be renewed every TWO years, all others every FIVE years.

• Youth Protection Training (You do not need a BSA ID to complete)

• PA State Police Criminal Record Checks (Free)

• PA Child Abuse History Clearances (Free)

• FBI Fingerprint Clearance ($27.50 Needed if a PA resident for less than 10 years)