Safe Environment Clearances

Corpus Christi Catholic Church > Resources > Safe Environment Clearances

May 6, 2024

Dear Corpus Christi Parish Volunteers

I am the Safe Environment Coordinator for the Parish. Safety is a priority at Corpus Christi and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. There are many layers of protection in place to ensure the safety of the children who attend our school, religious education programs and parish activities. Archdiocesan policy requires all individuals who volunteer at the School, REC, CYO, Scouts, Youth Ministry and other Parish Organizations where our children participate to obtain their three PA State Clearances and, if there is regular contact with children, attend the two Archdiocesan training sessions. I have included the links for obtaining the PA clearances as well as the signup links for the two classes. These documents/all class completion certificates must be on file with me in the Parish Office prior to you volunteering

The Archdiocese continues to offer Live Online Sessions of the “Protecting God’s Children” class as well as in person classes. All available sessions in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are listed on www.virtusonline.org. The Live Online Sessions are small so they fill up quickly! The Mandated Reporter Training consists of three online modules available through the Office of Child and Youth Protection’s website www.childyouthprotection.org

All PA clearances are valid for five years. The Archdiocesan classes do not have to be renewed. PA clearances and class certificates are securely kept in the Parish Office. I will notify you through email approximately 8 weeks before your PA state mandated clearances expire.

Please contact me at 215-855-1311 x126 or ccpco.phpetrosky@gmail.com with any questions.

Thank you for all you do.

Sincerely,

Patty Petrosky
Safe Environment Coordinator
Corpus Christi Parish

 

SAFE ENVIRONMENT CLEARANCES FOR VOLUNTEERS

Required PA Background Checks Instructions

1. PA State Police Criminal Record Check

  • Can be obtained online at https://epatch.pa.gov/home.
  • Please select “New Volunteer Record Check”.
  • Read the Terms and Conditions for the use of Patch, and
  • check the box under the “Volunteer Acknowledgement Section” and select Accept.
  • Complete the Personal information page
  • Receive results online within a few minutes. The cost is waived for volunteers.

2. PA Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance

  • Can be obtained online at https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home.
  • On Child Welfare Portal, select “Create Individual Account”
    • If you already have a keystone ID, there is no need to create a new one.
  • Read Create Keystone ID/General Information.
  • Follow steps to create a new Keystone ID. (please keep this ID and password in a safe place as you will need it when it is time to update it.) Once you select a Keystone ID, a temporary password will be sent to your email. Sign in using the Keystone ID and temporary password. You will then be required to create your own password. Follow the instructions to create a record check as a volunteer for Corpus Christi.
  • Results will be emailed to you within 14 days. The cost is waived for volunteers.

3.  Disclosure Statement/ Fingerprints

All required clearances, including FBI fingerprints, must be renewed every 5 years.

Patty Petrosky
Safe Environment Coordinator
ccpco.phpetrosky@gmail.com or 215.855.1311 ext. 126

Philadelphia Archdiocesan Training Requirements – Never Expires

These trainings provide information on how to recognize warning signs of potential abuse; create safe environments for children and young people; and report suspicions of abuse as a mandated reporter under Pennsylvania law.

1. Attendance at “Protecting God’s Children, Awareness Sessions for Adults”

  • Go to www.virtusonline.org to register for a session.
  • Register as a new user if necessary.
    • When looking for a training session, select Philadelphia, PA (Archdiocese) in the drop down window when it asks for your Archdiocese.
  • Select an in person session or live online session.
    • At the conclusion of the in person session, you will receive a two-part document titled “Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries” form. Please sign it and give the white copy to the Parish office. You will receive an email within two weeks informing you that your Certificate of Completion for the class can be downloaded from the Virtus account you established. Please email or drop off a copy of that Certificate of Completion to the Parish office.
    • If you attend a Live online session, the Standards of Ministerial Behaviors and Boundaries form and Certificate of Completion will be mailed to Safe Environment Coordinator in the Parish office who will notify you so that it can be signed.

2. Mandated Reported Training

  • Go to www.childyouthprotection.org
  • Select the “Training Institute” tab.
  • Sign in or Register as a first time user.
  • Under Main Menu, Select Online Trainings
  • Select Safe Environment Part II – Mandated Reporter Online and “View Training”.
  • Complete the three modules.
  • You will receive a confirmation by email from the Archdiocese that you took this training. You can retrieve the Certificate of Completion by signing in to the website.
  • Please email me a copy, or drop off a copy of the Certificate at the Parish

All copies of Clearances, Ministerial Behavior & Boundaries and Proof of Mandated Reporter Training must be received by the Parish Office BEFORE you will be cleared to volunteer.

Patty Petrosky
Safe Environment Coordinator
ccpco.phpetrosky@gmail.com or (215) 855-1311 ext. 126