Volunteer

All school volunteers are required to complete child abuse clearances, criminal background checks, and a FBI Disclosure Form (plus fingerprinting if they have lived outside PA within the last 10 years). Clearances must be turned in to the school office before anyone can volunteer in the school in any capacity (classroom, kitchen, field trips, etc). Visitors who do not have their clearance on file at LCCS must remain with an LCCS employee at all times while in the building.

PA Child Abuse Clearance
PA Child Abuse Clearances are free for volunteers. Use the link above. Select "Individual Account" and proceed through the steps.

PA Criminal Background Check
PA Criminal Background Checks are free for volunteers. Use the link above. Select "New Record Check" and follow the instructions.

FBI - Volunteer Disclosure Form
All volunteers must complete the FBI Volunteer Disclosure form. Fingerprinting is only necessary if you have not lived in the state of Pennsylvania for the past 10 years. If you need to be fingerprinted, follow these instructions.

Already have your clearances?

Volunteers may bring in a copy of their PA clearances from other organizations or churches with which they volunteer, as long as these clearances are dated within the past 5 years. Every volunteer will still need to fill out the FBI Volunteer Disclosure Form and turn it into the Business Office (and if necessary, obtain fingerprinting).

Volunteers are Mandated Reporters

Who Is a Mandated Reporter?

As a volunteer working directly with children, you are considered a mandated reporter under Pennsylvania law if you are responsible for the care, supervision, guidance, or control of children as part of your role.

Your Responsibilities

As a mandated reporter, you are legally required to:

  1. Report suspected child abuse immediately if you have reasonable cause to suspect a child is being abused or neglected.

  2. Make the report yourself—you cannot delegate it to a supervisor or another staff member.

How to Report Suspected Child Abuse

You must report the suspicion immediately using one of the following methods:
- Online: www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis
- Phone: Call ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313 (24/7)

If you report by phone, you must follow up with a written report (CY-47 form) within 48 hours.

When to Report

You must report when you:

  • See physical injuries that are suspicious

  • Hear a child disclose abuse

  • Witness signs of neglect or sexual abuse

  • Receive reliable information about abuse

You do not need proof. Suspicion based on reasonable judgment is enough.

Legal Protection

  • You are protected from liability as long as the report is made in good faith.

  • Failure to report can result in legal penalties, including criminal charges.

Mandated Reporter Acknowledgement Form
Volunteers must sign this form to officially acknowledge that they understand the responsibilities as a Mandated Reporter.

Have additional questions?

Please contact clearances@lccs.cc with any additional questions.