SAFE ENVIRONMENT INFORMATION FOR VOLUNTEERS WORKING WITH CHILDREN

1. If anyone is interested in working with the children as a school volunteer in any capacity, you must first have your Criminal and Child Abuse clearances.
• Clearance Forms can be obtained online at www.dpw.state.pa.us
• Online instructions:
• When you get to the website scroll down to Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Forms (click)
• On the second page scroll down to the very bottom of the page and click on each clearance form for printing
• Forms needed are CY-113 & SP4-184.
• When you receive your Criminal Clearance, please make a copy and attach it to the Child Abuse Clearance for mailing.
• THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! After you have received both clearances, please bring the original copies to School.
• Complete the volunteer information form in the school office when dropping off your copies.

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2. You must also attend a Safe Environment Class. Classes are offered at various times and locations throughout the city.
• Please go to www.virtus.org for information on classes offered and to sign up for a class.
• Upon completion of the class, please bring the original paper to school to be copied & put into your file.
  
• Complete the volunteer information form in the school office when dropping off your copies.

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3. Now you are set to volunteer! Thanks so very much for supporting our students and school community!
• If you have any questions, please call Mrs. Szypula at 215-482-2029
  

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4. All criminal record checks and child abuse clearances MUST be updated every 5 years. After the 5 year mark, your check and clearance are not valid. It is recommended that you update both several months PRIOR to the expiration date, so that there is no lapse in your eligible volunteer time.