Safe Environment Policy for Parish Volunteers

Any volunteer at St. Albert the Great Parish who has contact with children must have all up-to-date clearances and training certificates on file in the Rectory Office before volunteering. In order to comply with the applicable Commonwealth of Pennsylvania laws and Archdiocesan policies, there are absolutely no exceptions to this program and all volunteers must remain in full compliance at all times. Because we are committed to fostering the safest environment for the youth entrusted to our care, our Parish policy is that there is no “grace period” whatsoever. Any questions, information about the trainings, or requests for paper copies of the clearance applications can be directed to Kelly Sherman by calling the Rectory Office at 215-947-3500.

Clearances for Volunteers, Employees, and Contractors

Must be Renewed Every 5 Years

Archdiocesan policy requires that all volunteers who may have any possible contact with children, as well as any employee or contractor, complete the following background checks and clearances. The links below will allow you to obtain copies or file directly online:

Requirements for Volunteers Living in PA Continuously for 10 Years:

• Pennsylvania State Police Clearance - Free for Volunteers
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance - Free for Volunteers
• Disclosure Statement

Requirements for Volunteers Living in PA for Less Than 10 Years:

• Pennsylvania State Police Clearance - Free for Volunteers
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance - Free for Volunteers
• Federal Bureau of Investigation Fingerprint Clearance**
  Parish Volunteers: Use Code 1KG6ZJ
  School Volunteers: Use Code 1KG6Y3

** Fingerprints must be renewed every five years until the volunteer reaches the 10-year residency requirement, and then a Disclosure Statement Application for Volunteers may be submitted and renewed every five years thereafter.

Requirements Employees and Contractors

• Pennsylvania State Police Clearance
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
• Federal Bureau of Investigation Fingerprint Clearance
  Parish Employees and Contractors: Use Code 1KG738
  Parish Employees Ages 14 - 17: Use Code 1KG756
  School Employees: Use Code 1KG6TR

Archdiocesan Training Sessions

No Renewal Necessary

Volunteers who have regular contact with children (at least one time per week) are required to complete parts one and two of the Safe Environment training within 90 days of beginning their volunteer work.

• Part I: Protecting God's Children (instructor-led), is offered regularly at sites throughout the Archdiocese. The training provides basic facts about child sexual abuse and adults' roles in prevention. To register for this training visit www.virtus.org and click the registration link.
• Part II: The Mandatory Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse (online), is available online at the Office for Child and Youth Protection's website, http://childyouthprotection.org. Their Training Institute is available in English and Spanish. This training provides an overview of Archdiocesan reporting procedures for suspected child abuse and Pennsylvania Child Welfare Laws. The training should take you approximately one hour to complete.

Anyone who completed the Mandated Reporter Training prior to December 31, 2014, are additionally required to sign and submit an acknowledgement form after reading the updated Mandated Reporter Brochure. These documents may be found below. The form should be submitted to Kelly Sherman at the rectory office.

• Mandated Reporter Brochure
• Acknowledgement Form

Pennsylvania's New Child Protective Services Law

Revised Pennsylvania law concerning the definition and requirements of a Mandated Reporter of Child Abuse went into effect on December 31, 2014. The law has been expanded to require volunteers and employees who have direct contact with children to report suspected abuse. The new definition of a Mandated Reporter applies to all adults over 18 who come into direct contact with children, even if it is only a one time occasion such as chaperoning a dance or trip.

Reporting Suspected Child Abuse

If a child is in imminent danger, call 911 immediately!

• Contact ChildLine if you have a suspicion that a child is being neglected or abused sexually, physically, or mentally
  • By Phone at 1-800-932-0313 or
  • Online
• Complete and file a CY-47 Form (Report of Suspected Child Abuse Form) with the County Children and Youth Services where the alleged abuse occurred within 48 hours of calling ChildLine
  • Only required for reports made by phone
  • Online Reporting Option above includes submission of this form
• Notify your Head of Institution (HOI)

In addition, while not required under the new CPS law, it is strongly recommended by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and law enforcement agencies to contact local police and notify the District Attorney's Office.