Stronger, more effective and transparent screening laws came into effect in South Australia on 1 July 2019, requiring any person who works or volunteers with children to have a Working with Children Check (WWCC).
These checks are valid for five years, meaning that those who applied in 2019 have clearances that are due to expire in 2024.
Almost 590,000 South Australians currently hold a WWCC - the Department of Human Services prohibiting just over 2000 South Australians from working with children - making the checks a vital tool to protect young people from adults who pose an unacceptable risk to their safety and wellbeing.
What are my responsibilities?
People who work with children need to apply again and receive clearance before their current WWCC expires.
The Screening Unit in the Department of Human Services is preparing for an increase in WWCC applications in the lead up to July 2024 and beyond.
If your WWCC expires in the next 6 months, it’s best to apply again now.
What are an employer’s responsibilities?
Under South Australian law, it is an offence to employ, or continue to employ, a person in a prescribed position without a valid WWCC. This means employers cannot allow employees to work with children if their WWCC has expired.
Ultimately, both the worker and employer (including volunteer organisations) are responsible under the law.
Employers must ensure that all workers in relevant roles hold a valid check.
What do I need to do next?
You should allow at least three months for a WWCC application to be processed. Complex applications may take longer.
Workers need to verify their identity before the Screening Unit can process the application. Most people can do this online with their driver’s licence plus one of the following – an Australian passport, Australian birth certificate or an Australian citizenship certificate.
If you do not have these documents, you should allow extra time to take other proof of ID to a verifying officer.
Will I be told if my WWCC is expiring?
When your WWCC is about to expire, the Screening Unit will try to contact you by SMS and email – but you don’t have to wait to hear from them to apply again.
If you’re not sure when your WWCC expires you can visit Working with Children Checks to find out. You can also update your contact details online.
Further help can be found at Screening checks or you can phone the Screening Unit in the Department of Human Services on 1300 321 592 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
