The Pennsylvania Dutch Council requires online submissions of all background clearances. This is intended to replace having units or individuals collect clearances and submit paper copies. Applicants will upload all three of the required clearances. Once the online submission is reviewed, applicants will be placed on our online clearance list for unit leaders to access. Applicants will only receive an email if they are missing paperwork needed to complete their clearances.
What clearances do I need?
1. Child Abuse History Clearance
2. PA State Police Clearance
3. PA Dutch Council Disclosure Agreement if you have been a PA resident for at least 10 years
4. FBI Fingerprint Clearances if you have NOT been a PA resident for at least 10 years
How much do clearances cost?
1. PA State Police criminal history (Free for volunteers, $22 for employees)
2. PA Department of Human Services Child Abuse History clearance (free for volunteers, $8 for employees)
3. FBI Fingerprint criminal history ($25.75)
FAQs
Can I give paper copies to verify my clearances?
It is recommended that you upload your clearances to our EmailMeForm database. Any paper copies provided to the Council will be shredded.
How long do clearances last?
Child Abuse History, PA State Police, and FBI Fingerprints expire 5 years from the request date. Disclosure Agreements do not expire.
Do I need a witness signature on my disclosure agreement?
Yes. They must be 18 years or older to sign as a witness.
Once uploaded to EmailMe, can I start attending Scouting events?
No. You must be approved by the Clearance Admin and then approved by National to begin attending. You will receive an email if clearances do not meet PA Act 15 criteria from the admin. Once approved by National, it will appear on your My.Scouting profile as processed.
What if I am exempt from the FBI fingerprint check?
Volunteers may be exempt if the volunteer has been a Pennsylvania resident continuously for the past 10 years. Volunteers who are not required to obtain the FBI Clearance because they are applying for an unpaid position and have been a continuous resident of Pennsylvania for the past 10 years must swear or affirm in writing that they are not disqualified from service based upon a conviction of an offense. To do this, complete and submit the following form: Disclosure Statement Application for Volunteers
What if I have already obtained clearances for another organization?
Volunteers may carry clearances from one organization to another provided that clearances are no older than 60 months. Clearances obtained for employment purposes may be used for volunteering.
What if I don't live in Pennsylvania?
Employees working for the Pennsylvania Dutch Council no matter where they live must complete the three required checks. Volunteers that live outside of the state that volunteer for the Pennsylvania Dutch Council must complete the required checks. Out of State volunteers who volunteer for another Scout Council are allowed to work with youth in PA provided 1) the time period involved is no longer than 30 days in one calendar year, and 2) they meet the volunteer background check requirements of their state of residence. Volunteers in this category should submit a Non-Resident Disclosure Statement.
How do I submit my background clearances?
To submit completed background clearances follow these steps:
- Click the Pennsylvania Dutch Council Clearance Portal and fill out the required information.
- Upload digit copies of:
- Report of criminal history from Pennsylvania State Police (PSP).
- Child Abuse History Clearance from the Department of Human Services (Child Abuse).
- Fingerprint based federal criminal history (FBI) or (if qualified) Disclosure Statement Application for Volunteers (eligible if you have been a 10 year resident of Pennsylvania)
- Press Submit at the end of the form (if you do not complete the upload and all required elements you can ‘Save’ your form and come back to it)
