Policies
To view the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania Safe Church Policy and Procedure Manual, click here.
Parishes must either adopt these policy documents, or adapt their policies to meet or exceed the requirements outlined in them.
Parishes must also complete an annual Safe Church Self-Audit. This form is a fillable PDF which can also be printed and filled out by hand. It is intended for parish records and does not need to be turned into the Diocesan Office. There will be an acknowledgement of completion in the Church Officers and Vestry Members Annual Report. A link to this report will sent to your parish in winter and it will be due in the spring.
Clearances
Background clearances are required for all employees, both clergy and lay, and anyone 18 years and older who is involved with and/or has oversight in children and youth ministries.
You will need the following clearances to be up to date (once every five years).
- Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance. Click on “Create Individual Account” or “Individual Login” if you already have an account.
- Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check
- Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Background Check* Scroll down to obtain the necessary code.
To obtain clearances, see the instructions below.
* If you are employed by the church or have not lived in the State of PA for 10 years, you will need an FBI check; fingerprinting needs pre-registration. If you are a volunteer and have lived in Pennsylvania for the past ten years, you must affirm a ten-year Pennsylvania residency by signing the Volunteer Affirmation sheet, click here.
How to Obtain Clearances
Obtain a Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
This can be done through the online portal or you can submit a paper form to:
ChildLine and Abuse Registry
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
PO Box 8170
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8170
Keep in mind that as clergy and lay employees, you cannot register for clearances and background checks as a volunteer. You are considered an employee.
Obtain a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check
This can be done through the online portal or you can submit a paper form for employees and clergy or paper form for volunteers to:
Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository – 164
1800 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110-9758
Keep in mind that as clergy and lay employees, you cannot register for clearances and background checks as a volunteer.
Obtain an FBI Criminal Background Check
Go to the IdentoGO website and enter the service code:
For clergy and lay employees: 1KG756
For volunteers: 1KG6ZJ
You will then be able to schedule an appointment at a fingerprinting site near you, and learn what you’ll need to bring in order to facilitate processing.
Note for volunteers and other unpaid positions: If you are a continuous resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the last 10 years, you may fill out this affidavit in lieu of obtaining an FBI background check. (This does not include clergy or lay employees.)
For more information about obtaining child abuse clearances and state/FBI background checks, visit PA’s DHS website.
Keep documents on file in appropriate location.
Clergy
Copies of your Child Abuse History Clearance, State Police Criminal Records Check, and FBI Criminal Background check must be stored in the diocesan office, as well as a secure location at your parish. You may email copies to safechurch@diocesecpa.org
Lay Employees and Leaders:
Copies of your Child Abuse History Clearance, State Police Criminal Records Check, and FBI Criminal Background check must be stored in a secure location at your parish. A print out of your transcript from Praesidium Academy should be provided to the parish as well.
If you have any questions or run into any issues, please contact Canon Micalagh Moritz: safechurch@diocesecpa.org
(To view the previous 2018 Prevention and Response Policy Regarding Sexual Misconduct and Related Issues, click here.)
