Parent Involvement

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR CHILD'S LIFE. GET INVOLVED!

“Regardless of family income or background, students whose parents are involved in their schooling are more likely to have higher grades and test scores, attend school regularly, have better social skills, show improved behavior, and adapt well to school.”
- Henderson, A.T. & Mapp, K.L. (2002). A new wave of evidence: The impact of school, family, and community connections on student achievement.

Complete the Child Abuse History Clearance

How to Apply for Your Child Welfare Clearance

Cost: FREE for volunteers!

Visit the Child Welfare Portal:
Go to https://www.compass.state.pa.us/CWIS/Public/Home.
Set Up Your Account:
Under "Welcome to the Child Welfare Portal," select “Create Individual Account.”
- Note: An email address is required to create an account.
- If you already have an account, click “Individual Login” to access or update clearances.
Complete General Information:
You’ll be taken to the “Create Keystone ID: General Information” page. Scroll down and click “Next.”
Create Your Profile:
On the “Create Keystone ID: Profile Information” page:
- Create a Keystone ID (username).
- Complete all required fields, set up your security questions, and answer the security question at the bottom.
- Click “Finish.”
Receive Your Temporary Password:
A temporary password will be sent to the email address provided.

Part Two: Set a Permanent Password and Log In

Access Your Temporary Password:
Open the email and copy the temporary password.
Return to the Child Welfare Portal:
Go to https://www.compass.state.pa.us/CWIS/Public/Home, and under "Welcome to the Child Welfare Portal," select “Individual Login.” Then, click “Access My Clearances.”
Login and Set a New Password:
- On the login page, enter your Keystone ID and the temporary password from your email.
- You’ll be prompted to create a new, permanent password (write it down for future use).
Re-Log In with Your Permanent Password:
Return to the login page, enter your Keystone ID and new password, and select “I have read, fully understand, and agree to the My Child Welfare Account Terms and Conditions.” Click “Next.”

Part Three: Complete and Submit Your Clearance Application

Start a New Application:
Select “Create Clearance Application.”
Specify Your Application Purpose:
On the "Application Purpose" page, select “Volunteer Having Contact with Children.”
- Volunteer Category: Choose “Other.”
- Agency Name: Enter “Community Academy of Philadelphia”
Complete Applicant Information:
Fill in all required personal information on the "Applicant Information" pages, selecting “Next” to proceed through each section.
Review and Confirm Information:
On the "Application Summary" page, review your details and select “Next.”
eSignature Page:
- Select “No” for submitting an electronic signature.
- Check the box affirming that all information is correct and enter your name as prompted.
Skip Payment:
On the "Applicant Payment" page, select “No” to bypass payment, then click “Next” to submit your application.
- Note: If payment is still requested, ensure “Volunteer Having Contact with Children” was selected, and note that clearances within the last five years are not renewable without cost.
Confirmation and Results Notification:
- You’ll receive an email confirming your application submission.
- An email with your clearance results will arrive within 14 days.

Complete a PA State Criminal History Check

Pennsylvania Criminal History Check for Volunteers

Cost: FREE for Volunteers!
Access Online: https://epatch.pa.gov

Step-by-Step Directions:

Visit the Website:
Go to https://epatch.pa.gov.
Start a New Volunteer Record Check:
- Click “New Volunteer Record Check.”
- Scroll down, check the “Volunteer Acknowledgement Section” box, agreeing to the terms, and click “Accept.”
Enter Your Personal Information:
- For “Volunteer Organization Name,” enter “Community Academy of Philadelphia”
- For “Volunteer Organization Telephone Number,” enter (215) 533-6700.
- Complete the remaining fields with your personal contact information and click “Next.”
Proceed to Record Check:
- Click “Proceed.”
- Fill out the Record Check Request Form with your details.
- Optional: Adding your Social Security Number may speed up the processing time.
- Click “Enter This Request” and then “Finished.”
Review and Submit:
- On the Record Check Request Review page, select “Submit.”
Retrieve Your Clearance Receipt:
- Once submitted, locate the Control # on the page to view your receipt. It’s recommended to save or note this Control # for future access to your Criminal History Check.
Download the Certification Form:
- Click on “Certification Form” to either print or save it as a PDF.

Complete FBI Background Check OR Sign Disclosure Statement

If You Have Lived in Pennsylvania for the Past 10 Years:

Complete the Volunteer Affirmation:
- Volunteers who have resided in Pennsylvania for the past 10 years must sign the Disclosure Form, confirming their residency.
FBI Background Check Not Required:
- If you affirm that you have lived in Pennsylvania for 10+ years and have not been convicted of any prohibited offense (as per existing law or similar offenses in other jurisdictions), you are exempt from the FBI Criminal History Background Check.
Download the Volunteer Affirmation Sheet:
- Download the Disclosure Form and sign to complete this requirement.

If You Have NOT Lived in Pennsylvania for the Past 10 Years

FBI Criminal History Background Check with Fingerprinting

Cost: $23.25

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pre-Enroll with IdentoGo:
- Visit the IdentoGo Website here.
- Enter Service Code: Use 1KG6Y3 (for volunteering in the Pennsylvania Department of Education).
- Select “Schedule or Manage Appointment” and confirm by clicking “Yes” to acknowledge the fingerprinting is for volunteer purposes.
Complete Pre-Enrollment Information:
- Enter all required details: Essential Information, Additional Information, Citizenship Information, Personal Questions, Personal Information, Mailing Address, and Documents.
Schedule an Appointment:
- Once pre-enrolled, select an IdentoGo site and set up a time for your fingerprinting.
- Find an IdentoGo location near you.
Prepare for Your Appointment:
- Bring valid identification and a form of payment (business check, money order, or credit card are accepted at IdentoGo locations).

Additional Resources:

For FAQs: Digital Fingerprint & Electronic Criminal Background Check Services FAQ.
More Info: Visit the PA Department of Education’s Federal Criminal History Background Check page.

Sign CAPs Code of Conduct

Sign Arrest/Conviction Report and Certification Form

Copy of Valid Primary ID

If you are interested in volunteering for any of our Parent & Family Engagement (PFE) opportunities, follow the paperwork checklist and complete the REGISTRATION.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected]

PFE Forms

**Note: If you have NOT lived in Pennsylvania for the past 10 years, click on the FBI background check button and use code 1KG6Y3 to obtain an FBI Background Check ($22.60). If you HAVE lived in Pennsylvania for the past 10 years print and sign the Disclosure Statement.