Child Abuse Clearance Guide

Individuals who will be working with minors must obtain clearances for their role. The clearance process through Penn State’s background check vendor, DISA, has multiple steps and instructions, and this guide is intended to assist individuals through the process for completing the Child Abuse Clearance. 

Individuals will receive an email from our background check vendor, DISA Global Solutions “[email protected]”, with the subject line “Penn State--Action Needed: Child Abuse Clearance Instructions.” All steps should be completed as promptly as possible to avoid delays in your clearance process.

Step By Step Instructions

  1. Navigate to the PA Child Welfare Portal (Compass site) (https://www.compass.state.pa.us/CWIS).
  2. If this is your first time using the site, you will create an account. If you are a returning user and do not need to create a new account, skip to Step 6.
  3. Click “Create Individual Account.”
  4. Click “Next” to create your Keystone ID.
  5. On the Keystone ID Creation page, fill in the blank fields with your information and click “Finish.” A temporary password will be emailed to you.
  6. After creating an account, you will receive 2 emails. One will contain your user ID and another with your temporary password. Return to the PA Child Welfare Portal (Compass site) webpage and login using these credentials.
  7. Select “Access My Clearances.”
  8. Read the disclosure found on the Learn More page, then click “Continue” at the bottom.
  9. On the Keystone Key Login page, enter your login credentials.
  10. (Applicable only to new users) You will next be directed to change your password and redirected to the login screen again to login with the new password. Once logged in, there’s a Terms and Conditions page, click “Next” at the bottom.
  11. Review the disclosure and click “Continue.”
  12. Click on the option to “Create Clearance Application.”
  13. On the "Getting Started” page, “Begin” in the bottom right. Please ensure that you review the information you will need to complete the application.
  14. You will now be asked to provide an Application Purpose. Select “Individual 14 years of age or older who is applying for or holding a paid position as an employee with a program, activity or service, as a person responsible for the child’s welfare or having direct contact with children.” 

NOTE: This is the only option that will be accepted for employment at Penn State, so please select carefully. Click “Next” in the bottom right corner.

  1. Complete all fields on the Application Information page and then click “Next” at the bottom of the screen.
  2. Complete the Current Address section and click “Next.”
  3. Complete the Previous Address section and click “Next.”
  4. Complete the Household Members section and then click “Next.”
  5. Review the Application Summary and make any necessary edits. Click “Next.”
  6. Complete the e-Signature and click “Next.”
  7. On the Application Payment section, enter the pre-paid code provided by our background check vendor DISA. The code is in your email from “[email protected].” Click “Submit Application.”
  8. You will then be directed to the Submission Confirmation page and will also receive a submission confirmation email.
  9. Your results will be posted on the Compass site within 14 days of request. Our background check vendor DISA will retrieve the results and provide them to Penn State on your behalf. However, you may also log back in to review your results for your own reference.