Yes.  The Department of Human Services (DHS) reviews the results of the FBI fingerprint record check and sends the applicant a letter that indicates the result of the review and whether or not the applicant is eligible for a position that involves direct contact with children under the Child Protective Services Law (CPSL). The report will be on DHS letterhead and will be from the Office of Children, Youth and Families.  The letter will indicate eligible or ineligible.

DHS notification will also include a copy of the applicant’s criminal history information except when no record exists.

DHS letters that indicate that there was no record can be accepted by schools.

The DHS letter must be provided by the applicant to the school administrator.  If an applicant presents a DHS letter that indicates a record exists or a disqualification, school administrators should review the criminal history information carefully to make a fitness determination as to whether the person should be in and employment or contractor position that involves direct contact with children under the School Code.

No. Child abuse history certifications and PSP criminal history certifications obtained for volunteer purposes can only be used for other volunteer activities. Child abuse history certifications obtained for volunteer purposes will indicate that the certification is to be used for volunteer purposes only.

Yes.  The FBI has stated that it has no objection to officials providing an unofficial copy of the applicant’s FBI criminal history record to the applicant.  PDE recommends that the school indicate on the report that it is a copy provided by the school to the applicant.  For audit purposes, the Pennsylvania State Police requires that schools maintain a list of who was given a copy, the date it was provided, and the individual’s Identogo UEID number.

Yes. This is a requirement of the Commonwealth’s contract with IDEMIA. If applicants have not received an email with their results within 30 days of being fingerprinted or they missed the one time access, the applicant can contact the School Services Office at 717-783-3750 or via email at ra-pde-schoolservice@pa.gov to request a copy for their records.  An unofficial copy will be mailed.

Yes.  Just as with the criminal history reports, name checks are also good for five years. 

PDE recommends that school districts align their local policies concerning background checks for employees and contractors with the provisions of the PA School Code and the CPSL.

Please contact PDE’s School Services Office at 717-783-3750 or via email at ra-pde-schoolservice@pa.gov.