• Recruit Volunteers • Interview and screen volunteers using your church's own routine process. (Sample screening tools can be provided at church's request.)
Step 2
Required Pennsylvania Clearances
(For each clearance below, click the link, and follow the instructions provided.)
PA Child Abuse History Clearance (ChildLine)
(It's recommended to complete this step on a computer. This site is not mobile browser friendly.)
Apply through the COMPASS website.
• If you have an account, Sign In with your Keystone ID and password. If you don't, click on Create Individual Account and set up a Keystone ID.
• Save your Keystone ID and password.
• Complete the application and note the date you applied.
• A confirmation email will be sent once results are posted. Please check SPAM or JUNK folder.
• Use your Keystone ID, password, and application date to log in.
• Click “Certificate” to download and save your certificate.
Print out the above form and sign. For those who have been a resident of PA for the last consecutive 10 years. Please note, the form requires BOTH your typed name AND a written signature. Both for you AND a witness.
• Register with IDEMIA to be fingerprinted at an IdentoGO location
• When scheduling your appointment, enter the service code: 1KG6ZJ(volunteer service).
• Complete fingerprinting at your selected IdentoGO site.
• Download and save your FBI clearance certificate when available.
• NOTE: This clearance is NOT free.
• Reminder: Clearances are valid for five (5) years.
• In accordance with PA State Law, any individual who has not obtained all required clearances should NOT be working with minors under the age of 18.
Step 3
Submit Clearances (All 3 documents)
Email digital copies to: Clearances@Penndel.org.
Any questions should be directed to Johnna Whitcraft at JWhitcraft@Penndel.org or (717)795-5921.
File Naming Requirements
All clearances documents must be saved using the following format:
Lastname_Firstname_YYMM_Type of Clearance
Year and month should be indicitive of the date clearances were completed
Example: Del_Penn_2601_EP
(this indicates that the clearance is the ePATCH which
was completed in January of 2026)
*60-90 minutes (can be paused and returned to later). Please save your certificate and keep it for your own personal records.
Who is a Mandated Reporter?
In Pennsylvania, any individual who serves with minors under the age of 18, whether in a paid or volunteer capacity, is considered a mandated reporter under state law. This includes all individuals who are required to submit clearances through the PennDel Ministry Network and who serve in any role involving minors.
This includes but is not limited to:
• Lead Pastors
• Associate Pastors
• Youth Pastors
• Children’s Pastors
• Any other Pastors on Staff
• Youth Volunteers
• Children’s Ministry Volunteers
• Girls Ministry Leaders
• Girls Ministry Volunteers
• Boys Ministry Leaders
• Boys Ministry Volunteers
• Nursery Volunteers
• Any other individual(s) serving or volunteering in ANY capacity with minors under the age of 18.
• Mandated reporters are legally required to make an immediate report when they have reasonable
cause to suspect that a child is a victim of abuse or neglect.
You do not need proof. You do not need certainty. You should not investigate or attempt to verify abuse.
For additional guidance on mandated reporter responsibilities in Pennsylvania, please refer to the
Pennsylvania Department of Human Service website:
