Instructions for Obtaining Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance

  1. Visit www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis
  2. New volunteers must create a Keystone ID by selecting "Create Individual Account" and completing basic personal information.  Once you have filled out all requested information, Click
    Finish. 
    • You will receive two emails shortly after completing the request. Use the Keystone
      ID and temporary password to log back into the portal using Individual Login.
    • Once logged in, you will be directed to answer your security questions. After
      successfully answering your security questions, you will be prompted to create a new
      password. After you create a new password, it will automatically log you out again.
  3. Return to Pennsylvania Child Welfare Information Solution. Select Access My Clearances.
  4. Scroll to the bottom of this page and choose Continue.
  5. You will arrive at the Keystone Key login screen.  Enter your login information.
    • For assistance, contact the CWIS Solution Support Center at 1-877-343-0494 for assistance.

      login prompt for username and password
  6. Once you are logged into the site, follow the following steps: 
    • Read and agree to the My Child Welfare Account Terms & Conditions. Click Next.
    • Scroll to the bottom and click Continue.
    • Select Create Clearance Application.
    • Scroll to the bottom and Click Begin.
    • Select Volunteer. Click Next.
    • Complete applicant information. You only need to enter required information. Then select Next.
    • Complete current address. At the bottom, please select to have a paper version of the certificate to be sent to your home. Finalize by clicking Next.
    • Complete previous addresses. **Please only indicate your state(s) of previous residence.  Finalize by clicking Next.
    • Add household members: You must list all household members you have lived with since birth. Finalize by clicking Next.
    • Scroll through the application summary. At the bottom, click Next.
    • Provide E-signature. Please certify the application and sign. Finalize by clicking Next
    • Submit application payment: Pay whatever cost may be associated. Finish by clicking Submit.

You will receive an email from noreply@pa.gov within 24 - 72 hours of submitting this application notifying you that your results are ready. Using that email, you can download your certificate as a PDF for your records. Please submit your results to the Office of Human Resources.