How to Volunteer

Instructions for Obtaining Background Clearances

Pennsylvania's child protection law will require volunteers (any adults serving in unpaid positions) who are individually responsible for the welfare of a child or children, or who will have direct contact with a child or children, to have the background clearances described below.

What clearances are required?

1. . Report of PA Criminal History from the Pennsylvania State Police (PATCH) – free
2. . Child Abuse History Clearance from the Department of Human Services – free
3. . Fingerprint based FBI criminal history clearance submitted through the Department of Human Services – cost $27.50 (Downingtown Area Robotics will reimburse approved mentors once all documentation is received)

• Volunteers who have lived in PA for the last 10 years may complete the Downingtown Area Robotics' Affidavit Form in place of the FBI Check
• Volunteers who have not lived in PA for 10 years are only required to get this until establishing residency in PA (see number 3 belo

How to Obtain PA Mandated Background Clearance Certifications

Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History

1. . Go to this link: [1]
2. . Click the yellow New Record Check (Volunteers Only) and follow directions
3. . Volunteer Organization Name: Downingtown Area Robotics

Child Abuse History Clearance from Department of Human Services 1.Go to this link: https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home 2.Create a new account and follow the directions 3.Volunteer Category: Other 4.Agency Name: Downingtown Area Robotics

FBI Fingerprinting 1.Go this link: [2] 2.Click “Register Online” – follow directions, and print receipt 3.At the end there will be a link to show where you can go to get fingerprinted

Note: This process will take several weeks and must be completed prior to attending and Downingtown Area Robotics program as a Mentor

FINAL STEP

Print/Scan all background screening documents to a .pdf file format and email to frc1640@gmail.com. We are required to keep all documents on file.