Youth Exchange Criminal Background Checks
ESSEX Criminal Background Check
Required for all Youth Exchange Committee Members and Host Families
 
When a volunteer or host family completed an application, they will receive the following message:

Thank you for submitting your application to serve as a Rotary Youth Exchange volunteer.

In addition to the application that you completed and in accordance with US Department of State regulations, a confidential Criminal Background Check must be conducted. Then it will ask you to follow the steps to complete your on-line background check. 

There are 8 questions you will need to answer including your Social Security Number, Drivers License Number, Date of Birth, Phone Number Etc.

The results of the background checks, along with your application form and the responses of the personal references that you provided, will be reviewed by ESSEX. Of course, you will be notified of the results of this process.
 
OneSource is a DOS approved vendor to conduct background checks for all of ESSEX member districts.
 
 
 
PA Background Checks
Required for all Youth Exchange Committee Members and Host Families
Governor Tom Wolfe signed into law Act 15 of 2015 in June 2015 which amends Pennsylvania’s Child Protective Services Law (Title 23, Chapter 63).  The Act 15 of 2015 amendment resulted in several changes that impact volunteers with Rotary Youth Exchange including: no costs after July 25, 2015 for State Police Record Check or PA Child Abuse History Clearance (prior to July 25, 2015 the cost was $10 each), an extension of time for existing volunteers, and re-certification now is every 5 years instead of every 3 years. 
 
 
The State of Pennsylvania requires volunteers who work with children to obtain the following Clearances. These are completed online by clicking on the links mentioned below. 
 
These clearances are in addition to the background checks required by ESSEX/Dept. of State. The District does NOT cover the costs of the Pennsylvania clearances. Many of you may already have the Pennsylvania clearances through other volunteering or through your work. If so, please send us a copy of your Certificates and Disclosure Statement or FBI CBC for our file. Note that the Pennsylvania clearances must be done every five (5) years if involved in youth programs.
 
Detailed information on the PA DHS requirements for Volunteer Clearances is found on the following web site: http://keepkidssafe.pa.gov/cs/groups/webcontent/documents/document/c_135249.pdf
 
Volunteers and Host Families, living in Pennsylvania, who are 18 years and older, are required to obtain the following clearances. Please read and follow the application instructions carefully.
 
Pennsylvania Child Abuse History
  • Go to the Child Welfare Portal on the following website by clicking here
  • Click on “Create Individual Account”
  • Click on “Next”
  • Complete the account registration information and click on “finish”. You will need to create a Keystone ID to use when you log in to your account.
  • Once this has been submitted an account will be set up and you will receive a temporary password to use and instructions to change your password. Remember your Keystone ID.
  • Return to the Child Welfare Portal and click on “Individual Logon”
  • Click on “Access my Clearances”
  • At the bottom of the next page click on “continue”
  • Enter your Keystone ID and password to access your account.
  • Accept the Terms and Conditions
  • Click on “Create Clearance Application”
  • Choose “Volunteer – Other”
  • Agency name is “Rotary Youth Exchange”
  • Continue completing the application and then submit it.
*Note – Some will get a response immediately. Some will receive an email, at a later date, with instructions to go onto the site and retrieve the response. In any case, print the certificate for documentation.
 
Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check
  • Go to the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) website by clicking here.  
  • Click on “New Record Check” (Volunteers only)
  • Check the box at the bottom of the page and click on “accept”
  • Complete the required information and click “next”. Note the Volunteer Organization Name is “Rotary Youth Exchange”. Add your email address so that the response will be emailed to you.
When you receive the response that the Request is Completed, sign in with the control number and account information, then click on the “Control number” highlighted. This will bring up the certificate which can be printed out.
 
3a. If you have lived in PA for the last 10 years you will need to complete the “Disclosure Statement Application for Volunteers” certifying that you have not been convicted of any of the crimes listed. Print out and sign the form. Your signature must be witnessed and dated.
 
3bIf you have NOT lived in PA for the last 10 years you will need to complete an FBI Criminal Background Check through the Department of Human Services. This will require that you submit your fingerprints.
  • Logon to: https://www.identogo.com/locations/pennsylvania
  • Click on “List of Locations” to review the list to select a suitable location to have your fingerprints taken.
  • At the bottom left choose “Digital Fingerprinting”
  • This takes you to the Identgo logon page.
  • Enter Service Code”1KG6ZJ”. This is from the PA DHS website and is the code for volunteers.
  • Choose “Schedule or Manage Appointment”
  • Complete the application form and click on “Next” to move through the sections.
After completing the application, you will receive an appointment to have your fingerprints taken. Once they have been submitted you will receive a report on your FBI Criminal Background Check.
 
Process to be followed after all certificates/reports have been received
Copies of all documentation produced by the above processes, 1, 2 and 3a/3b, must be provided to the District office. You can scan and email all copies to office@rotary7390.org. If you have questions, please contact Melissa Kopp-Smith (D7390 Executive Secretary at 717-854-7842 or office@rotary7390.org).