Scouting is a place where young people can come together for fun in a safe environment. We take this seriously! The Boy Scouts of America and the State of Pennsylvania have strict requirements when working with youth. Background clearances required by Pennsylvania law are good for five years.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania enacted the Child Protective Services Law in 2015. The intent of this law is to protect the youth of Pennsylvania. All youth serving organizations within the Commonwealth are covered under this law. Volunteers, registered and unregistered, in the Cradle of Liberty Council are affected in two ways; we are mandated child abuse reporters and required to provide background check clearances.
Once you have completed and received your clearances, you must upload all three of the state-required copies to COLBSA Upload Clearances System, see buttons on page or click here
If you need assistance or have questions, please contact the council registrar at email registrar@colbsa.org or call (484) 654-9214.
PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK
Free for volunteers! – Click Here for more information.
PENNSYLVANIA CHILD ABUSE HISTORY CLEARANCE
Free for volunteers! – Click Here for more information
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK
The previous FBI fingerprint-based background check vendor, Cogent, will no longer be providing the FBI fingerprinting online services for the PA state clearance requirements. Volunteers needing to obtain the FBI fingerprint-based background check should begin the process by visiting Idemia’s website and then follow the steps below.
Click here for IdentoGo PA Page
Click on Locate an Enrollment Center first to find the location for providing your fingerprints that is closest to you, this is a resource to find the closest location to you only. The company is continuing to add new fingerprinting locations.
Click on Schedule or Manage Appointment.
Follow the prompts for completing the required information and printing the registration form to take to the fingerprinting location.
This is required for those who have lived in Pennsylvania less than 10 years. – Click Here
RESIDENT VERIFICATION FORM
If you have lived in Pennsylvania for more than 10 years, you do not have to complete the FBI Criminal Background Check, however, you must complete a Resident Volunteer Verifiction Form (PDF).
Any questions or issues please email registrar@colbsa.org or call (484) 654-9214
Please visit colbsa.org/hours for the holiday hours of the resource center and the scout shop.
