A legal requirement: Working With Children Check
When you leave your child in the care of someone else you want to know and be comfortable in the knowledge that they have had the mandatory checks required.
A Working With Children Check (WWCC) is a safe guard to ensure that your carer/nanny has been cleared to work with children.
It is a pre-requisite for anyone wanting to work with children.
To further guarantee the candidate is the card holder each WWCC has a photo of the applicant on the card.
In Australia each state/territory has differing requirements so we have broken it down into the individual states/territories requirements.
Basically there are five jurisdictions that currently carry out Working With Children Checks. They are NSW, NT, QLD, VIC and WA.
What is the difference between a police clearance and a WWCC?
A police clearance has limitations on the level of information for example prior convictions (past 10 years) are to be disclosed.
They identify and release relevant criminal history information relating to convictions, findings of guilt as well as including pending court proceedings.
Working With Children Checks are more targeted and extensive in making an assessment of the level of risk an individual poses to children’s safety.
At present there is not a national check available (although they are working on developing a universal national system).
A WWCC from one state is currently not accepted as valid in another state, however, a Working With Children Check does a criminal background check for an individual incorporating all states in the check.
State Working With Children Check information
You can apply online or in person at a NSW Services centre.
Cost is $80 for employees for 5 years. For those who engage in volunteer work or are authorized carers, adults who reside in the home of family day carers, potential adoptive parents the check is free.
To apply visit the services website: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-working-children-check
They cost $72 for 2 years for those working directly with children. It is $7 for volunteers
You can apply online, in person or via post.
To apply visit NT Gov website: https://nt.gov.au/emergency/community-safety/apply-for-a-working-with-children-clearance
It is applicable for all people working or volunteering with children. It is currently $92.30. There is no fee for volunteers. A Blue Card is valid for 2 years.
You can apply online or in person.
For more information visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/law/laws-regulated-industries-and-accountability/queensland-laws-and-regulations/regulated-industries-and-licensing/blue-card-services
Cost is $133.30 and the fee is reviewed yearly. Volunteers are free.
For more information regarding the new system visit:https://screening.sa.gov.au/home
The fees are $113.40 for 12 months. There is a reduced fee if you are solely a volunteer $19.44
For more information or to apply visit: https://www.cbos.tas.gov.au/topics/licensing-and-registration/registrations/work-with-vulnerable-people/applications/apply
