Suspect Abuse? Report it!

Call ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313.

If you suspect child abuse or neglect, call ChildLine. Mandatory reporters can report online through the Child Welfare Information Solution (CWIS) system.

The Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) requires certain individuals to submit clearances in order to be employed, be a resource parent (foster or adoptive), or be a volunteer with children.

The purpose for requiring clearances is to provide employers and those selecting volunteers with information to use as a part of a larger decision-making process when determining whether to hire someone as an employee or select them as a volunteer. 

Clearances are required for an employee or unpaid volunteer at a minimum of every 60 months from the date of the oldest clearance. Clearances may be required more frequently based on licensure or employer requirements.  

Agencies and organizations must ensure that clearances are obtained in accordance with the CPSL. The required clearances may include:

Certified Child Care Only

National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Verification 

Only a requirement for employees and volunteers of child day-care centers, group day-care homes or family child-care homes.

Note: All Megan’s Law registrant information is submitted to the National Sex Offender Registry and is covered by the National Sex Offender Registry Check.

For further assistance related to clearances, please call the Clearance Verification Unit (CVU) at 1-877-371-5422. Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST. 

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), which is in part comprised of the Office of Children, Youth, and Families (OCYF) complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.