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Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs clearances?

Adult Volunteers are defined as anyone who has “direct volunteer contact”--care, supervision, guidance or control of children-- OR "routine interaction with children." Routine Interaction is defined as “regular and repeated contact” that is integral to a person’s volunteer responsibilities. Child is defined as any individual under 18 years of age.
 
What is the renewal requirement for clearances?

Beginning July 2015, all volunteers will be required to obtain clearances every 60 months. Timelines for renewed clearances are based upon the date of each individual clearance. If an individual or agency elected to renew all clearances at the same time, the date of the oldest clearance rather than the most recent would be used. 

If you are a new volunteer, you need to submit certification prior to the commencement of the service.

Volunteers are required to obtain updated clearances as follows: 
  • Every 60 months of the date of the most recent clearance;
  • By July 2016, if the clearance is older than 60 months; or 
  • By July 2016; if they were approved as a volunteer before July 1, 2015, and had not received a clearance. 
Are there any other requirements?
If a volunteer is arrested for or convicted of an offense that would constitute grounds for denying participation in a program, activity or service, or is named as a perpetrator in a founded or indicated report, the volunteer must provide the administrator or their designee with written notice not later than 72 hours after the arrest, conviction or notification that the person has been listed as a perpetrator in the statewide database. A volunteer who willfully fails to disclose information as required above commits a misdemeanor of the third degree and shall be subject to discipline up to and including termination or denial of a volunteer position.
 
Can CVSD institute additional standards?
Yes, nothing prohibits an organization from requiring additional information as part of the clearance process. 
 
Can my clearances be transferred?
Yes, any person who obtained their clearances within the previous 60 months may serve in a volunteer capacity for any program, activity or service (e.g. Clearances can be used in the school capacity and for a local community group and/or church organization at the same time.)  However, to become a newly approved volunteer, those clearances initially presented must still be no less than 1 year old at time of application and Board approval. Note: CVSD cannot transfer clearances for the volunteer to another organization or make copies. Please make and keep a copy of your clearances for your own records. 
 
As a volunteer, do I obtain my Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal History check through the Department of Education or the Department of Human Services?
The agency under which an applicant should submit their FBI clearance application is based on the agency or organization for which they intend to volunteer. If the applicant intends to volunteer in a school or at a school related function, they would apply for their FBI clearance through the Department of Education. If the applicant intends to volunteer with children in any other capacity outside of a school setting or function, such as a group home for children, in a church, as a Little League or soccer coach, etc., they would apply for their FBI clearance through the Department of Human Services.
 
Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
For questions on whether you meet the volunteer criteria requiring clearances, contact your building principal or office. For questions on the clearance process, call the district office at 717.397.2421 or email Clearances@conestogavalley.org.