The Working with Children Check explained

The purpose of the check

The check assists in protecting children from sexual and physical harm by ensuring that people who work with, or care for, them are subject to a screening process.

Your obligation to apply for a check

Volunteer check versus employee check

There is one assessment process for the check, but you must choose between 2 application types:

1. Volunteer
2. Employee

If you’re getting paid for child-related work (excluding reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses), you’ll need to apply as an employee.

Volunteer check

If you plan to do volunteer child-related work in Victoria (where you're not paid for the work), you will likely need this check. Some examples of volunteer child-related work are:

• Coaching a sports team
• Scout leader
• School-based activities.

We’ve created a list of job categories that need a check for you to use to work out if you need a check.

If you're reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses you incur in doing voluntary work, you are still eligible for this type of check.

Employee check

To do paid child-related work, you might need an Employee check. Some examples of paid child-related work are:

• Teacher’s aides
• Child care
• Child protection services
• Healthcare professionals in a hospital paediatric ward.

The employee check covers both volunteer and paid work. There are some scenarios in which you may not need a check. Find out when exemptions apply.

Costs of the check

Fees valid until 30 June 2024

Fees from 1 July 2024

What your card looks like

The card will display your:

• name
• photograph
• card number
• card type
• card expiry date

What your digital card looks like

Your digital card is stored on your Service Vic app.

You can see if someone’s card is current or expired by using the Service Victoria app to scan the QR code on the digital card. A cancelled or suspended card can’t be scanned with the app.

The card will display your:

• name
• photograph
• card number
• card type
• card expiry date
• QR code for scanning

What we look for with the check

The check looks at a few different elements to determine if you’re permitted to do child-related work in Victoria.

When you apply, we’ll look at and assess your:

• criminal record in all Australian states and territories across your lifetime – including serious sexual, violent and drug offences you have previously been charged with, regardless of the outcome of those charges
• professional conduct, which is determined by:
  • the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT)
  • the Suitability Panel, established under the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005, which makes findings related to the suitability of registered out-of-home carers
  • the Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP) through the Reportable Conduct Scheme.
• compliance (if applicable) with historical and current health practitioner legislation
• current or historical reporting obligations or orders under the Sex Offenders Registration Act 2004 or the Serious Offenders Act 2018.

Relevant offences under the Worker Screening Act 2020

The Worker Screening Act 2020 (the Act) classifies a range of relevant WWC offences into three categories: A,B and C. Applicable WWC offences are categorised according to severity with category A offences being the most severe. We also screen and monitor every applicant and Check holder for any new offences or charges that fall within the Act.

When you receive your check

Show your physical or digital card to every organisation you do child-related work for, and make sure you provide your check information to them before you start working.

You are responsible for:

• making sure your personal and organisation’s details are up to date
• not letting anyone else use your check for child-related work
• letting us know if any of your circumstances change, including if you are charged with or found guilty of any offences
• renewing your check before it expires if you are, or will still be doing, child-related work
• changing your check from volunteer to employee if have a volunteer check but are going to do paid child-related work.

These tasks can all be done online at Service Vic.

Difference between a Working with Children Check and a Police Check

The Working with Children Check and Police Check are different checks. Depending on what your organisation requires, you might need both.

What is a Police Check?

A Police Check is not an assessment, like the Check, but a list of findings. You might need a Police Check when you start a new job, volunteer or do work experience. Your employer might use a Police Check to assess your suitability for other kinds of work.

If you need to obtain a Police Check for paid or unpaid work, licences or registration in Victoria, contact Victoria Police.

If you need a Police Check for immigration and visa applications, working overseas, adoption, a Federal Government job, or for any other reason under Commonwealth legislation, contact the Australian Federal Police.

You can get a Police Check online via their website or download an application form to complete.

How is a Working with Children Check different?

The main differences between a Working with Children Check and a Police Check are:

1. A Police Check won’t allow you to do child-related work in Victoria.
2. You can’t pass or fail a Police Check, but you will pass or fail a Working with Children Check.
3. A Working with Children Check is valid for 5 years (unless suspended, surrendered or revoked), but a Police Check only provides results as at the date of issue.
4. When you apply for a Check, we review professional conduct determinations and findings from prescribed bodies listed in the Act. A Police Check doesn’t.
5. We are notified by other regulators and prescribed bodies about changes to your circumstances while your Working with Children Check is valid. A Police Check only provides a snapshot as at the date of the check, with no future information provided.