CLEARANCES
Why clearances?
In keeping with state law and child protection best practices, we require every volunteer over the age of 18 to submit three clearances to us before they are allowed to supervise children in any capacity. All nursery workers, Sunday school teachers, youth ministry volunteers, children's ministry volunteers, and staff must submit three clearances to us before they begin serving. These clearances help us to verify that all adults caring for our children do not have a record of abuse or other misconduct. If an adult is unable to produce a satisfactory clearance, they will not be allowed to volunteer for any of our youth or children's ministries.
For Kids Fest 2024 the deadline to submit all clearances is August 1st, 2024 with no exceptions.
The following links will direct you to the appropriate websites to access or request your clearances:
1. Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (free for volunteers)
​
2. Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance (free for volunteers)
​
3. Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Criminal History Clearance ($23.35) OR Written Affirmation (download and sign)*
*Fingerprinting results are required for all employees, and volunteers who have lived outside of PA in the last 10 years. This process can take several weeks, so please plan accordingly.
The written affirmation is required for all volunteers not required to submit fingerprinting results. By signing it, you certify that you have lived in PA for 10+ years and have not committed any of the offenses listed.
​
Clearances are required for an employee or unpaid volunteer at a minimum of every 60 months from the date of the oldest clearance. If you believe you have already submitted your clearances to us, please email clearances@hanovervalley.org or noah@hanovervalley.org.
​
​
If you would like to read more about how HVPC seeks to maintain a safe environment for children, please view our Child Protection Policy below.
​