SAFE ENVIRONMENT COMPLIANCE

SAFE ENVIRONMENT POLICY

We are overjoyed that you want to volunteer at Saints John & Paul Parish!  The time you contribute as a volunteer is greatly valued. However, before beginning to volunteer, we need you to understand the Safe Environment Policy and complete the necessary steps to become safe environment compliant.

Please contact Angela Manczka, Safe Environment Coordinator, at amanczka@sts-jp.org or (724) 935-2104 x230 if you have any questions.

PURPOSE

The Safe Environment Policy was created to take reasonable measures to assure that all staff and volunteers over 18 are committed to providing a safe environment for children and youth, are capable of identifying and preventing abuse of children, and have no personal history of behavior that would be a threat to children. This policy applies to all staff and volunteers over the age of 18. Church personnel is defined as all adult persons (those 18 years of age or older), whether clergy, members of consecrated life, or laity, who, as employees or volunteers, act in the name of the Church under the auspices of the Diocese of Pittsburgh or one of its parishes.

STEPS TO BECOME SAFE ENVIRONMENT COMPLIANT

1.    Diocesan Database and PA Criminal Record Check

Please click HERE to access the online application.

• • To begin the registration, look for the “First time users are asked to click here to register” sentence.
  • The access code is protect. This code is needed to create a username and password.
  • Under the Document Review section, read the Code of Pastoral Conduct and check the box indicating that the information has been read.
  • Under the Document Review section, read the Child Protective Service Law and check the box indicating that the information has been read.
  • Once you have completed the Diocesan Database, a PA State Criminal History clearance will be processed automatically on your behalf.

2.     PA Child Abuse History Clearance

You will be asked to list the permanent places you have lived and people whom you have lived with since 1975.  You do not need to include college addresses or roommates.  If a person you have lived with is now deceased, leave the age blank. This clearance will need to be renewed every 5 years.  You can print the registration at the end to keep for your records.

Online Application: Please click HERE to access the online application.  Once on the PA Child Welfare Information Solution website, follow these steps to complete the application:

• Click on CREATE INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNT
• Enter a Keystone ID – this is your user name
• After completing the first page, you will receive an email with a temporary password. Follow the instructions to continue completing the application.

Paper Application: If you would like to complete the paper form, please click HERE.  You can type directly on the Child Abuse Application.  You will need to print out the application and the consent/release form, sign the form and the consent release and return to Angela Manczka at Saints John & Paul.  The church pays the processing fee.

3.    Protecting God’s Children Workshop

This is a workshop/training on child sexual abuse.  To complete this requirement you can complete the training online or attend a 3-hour workshop.

Online training: If you choose to complete the training online, please click HERE. The following are answers to some registration questions:

• Select your organization: Pittsburgh, PA (Diocese)
• Primary location: Saints John & Paul Parish
• Please select the session you wish to attend: Scroll to the bottom to click Protecting God’s Children for Adults (Online Training).  The online training is available in English and Spanish.

Attend a workshop:  If you choose to attend a workshop, click HERE to see a list of upcoming workshops and to register.

4.    FBI fingerprints or Fingerprint Waiver

Fingerprinting: If you have lived in the state of Pennsylvania for less than 10 consecutive years, you will need to be fingerprinted. Please complete the following steps:

• Register – Complete the online registration and set-up an appointment to be fingerprinted.
  The Service Code to get started is 1KG6ZJ
• Payment – There will be a fee of approximately $22.60. You can pay this at the registration location. They accept credit cards (name on the credit card must match the name on the registration), money order or business check. You can submit the receipt for payment to me (send in, drop off or email), and the church will send you a reimbursement check.
• Photo Identification – You will choose a type of identification during the registration process. This id must be provided at the fingerprint location.
• Locations – During the registration process, you will be able to see and select a location that is convenient for you.
• Results – Once you receive your results/letter, please provide a copy to Angela Manczka at Saints John & Paul Parish.

CLICK TO REGISTER FOR FINGERPRINTING

Waiver:  If you have lived in the state of Pennsylvania for more than 10 consecutive years, please click HERE for the Waiver Form.  Please print the form, sign it and return to Angela Manczka at Saints John & Paul.