YOUTH PROTECTION

The Berks Arts Board of Directors adopted a Youth Protection Policy, to be implemented beginning with our 2023 programs. The intention of this policy is to ensure a safe, appropriate environment for young people to experience the arts through programs of Berks Arts. Beginning July 1, any individual having meaningful interaction/contact with a young person as part of Berks Arts programming is required to:

a) Acknowledge receipt and understanding of the Berks Arts Youth Protection Policy
b) Submit two (2) required clearances (PA Child Abuse & FBI Identity History Check)

If you have any questions regarding the policy or clearances, please contact clearances@berksarts.org so that your questions may be addressed. 

#1) Youth Protection Policy Acknowledgement 

Any Board member, Staff member, Consultant, Volunteer, or Clinician who wishes to participate in programs involving young people must acknowledge receipt and understanding of the Youth Protection Policy. To begin, click the button at the bottom of this page. 

#2) Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance  

Any individual who wishes to participate in programs involving young people must have a Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance (or equivalent) on record dated within the past three (3) years.  

PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENTS:

If you already have this clearance, you may upload the document into DocuSign when you complete the form at the bottom of this page OR you may email a copy to clearances@berksarts.org at a later time. This clearance will be valid for three (3) years from the date listed on the document.  

If you do not have a valid Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance, please follow the additional instructions to obtain a FREE clearance. After you receive the clearance document, please email a copy of the form to clearances@berksarts.org. This clearance will be valid for three (3) years from the date listed on the document.  

NON-PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENTS:

If you reside outside Pennsylvania, please provide pdf copies of existing and equivalent/relevant clearances via upload in this form, or via email to clearances@berksarts.org. If you have questions about eligible forms, please contact me directly at justin@berksarts.org.

#3) FBI Identity History Check 

Any individual who wishes to participate in programs involving young people must have an FBI Identity History Check *or* complete the FBI Volunteer Disclosure Form IF you are an unpaid volunteer and have been a resident of Pennsylvania for the entirety of the past ten years.   

If you already have your completed FBI Identity History Check, you may upload a copy of the completed form into Docusign when you complete the form at the bottom of this page OR you may email a copy to clearances@berksarts.org at a later time. This clearance will be valid for three (3) years from the date listed on the document. 

To obtain a Federal FBI Criminal History Report, please follow the additional instructions (link below). Once completed, please email a copy of the completed form to clearances@berksarts.org. 

There is a cost to obtain this clearance. Limited funds are available for Volunteers facing financial hardship; please notify clearances@berksarts.org to request financial reimbursement for the cost of the FBI Identity History Check.  

On behalf of the entire organization, thank you for taking these important steps to provide the safest possible environment for young people to enjoy the best possible experiences in the arts.