Creating the safest possible environment for our youth members is a top priority for Troop and Council. Background checks of registered adult volunteers are essential tools in that effort. In addition to the criminal background check conducted by the national office of the BSA for any adult seeking to register with the BSA as a leader, here in Pennsylvania, state law requires both employees and volunteers to obtain three specific clearances to serve with any youth-serving organizations. Depending on the circumstances, parents may also be required to obtain and provide the PA-mandated clearances to the Council.

Paperwork needed to process your application:

1. Criminal History from the Pennsylvania State Police*

2. Child Abuse History Clearance from the Department of Human Services*

3. FBI fingerprint check (If you HAVEN'T been a PA resident for the past 10 consecutive years) or Disclosure Statement (if you HAVE been a PA resident for the past 10 consecutive years.)

4. Youth Protection Training Directions: Go to my.scouting.org. Create account, click on 'Youth Protection Begins with You.' Complete YPT. Print certificate(s) or save as PDF to send electronically.

Once you have all of your clearances, Submit them electronically to Council (If you are already registered, you'll need your BSA ID#.)

The Troop will also need a copy of your clearances (paper or electronic).

5. Completed application (if you don't have an application, you can print one here. Just print pages 3 & 6. This is fillable, so that you can complete it THEN print it.)

*For numbers 1 and 2, make sure you opt to get an electronic copy (or conversely, don't opt to get a copy mailed to you). Electronic copies take a few minutes to a few days. Hard copies may take up to a few weeks.

Please reach out to our Troop Registrar, Karen Messinger with any questions about this process.