A blog by Annemarie – Founder of the Australian Nanny Association
The Working With Children Check (WWCC) is an Australian background check requirement, assessing the criminal record of those working or volunteering in child-related work. The check is known as the WWCC (or WWC) in most states and territories. The equivalent check in Queensland is known as a “Blue Card”. In the ACT and Tasmania, the equivalent check is known as the Working with Vulnerable People registration.
NOTE: The WWCC only covers a person’s criminal history related to potential risks to children. For example a notification or a record where a person may have physically or sexually abused a child. It does not cover crimes such as drink driving or theft. A National Police Check is also recommended on top of the WWCC to cover any additional possible crimes.
You can apply for a National Police Check here: Police Checks (australiannannyassociation.org.au)
PARENTS AND EMPLOYERS: You MUST verify your carer’s WWCC prior to allowing them to work with children. Simply holding a WWCC is not enough, the check must also be verified regularly and prior to commencement. If being paid then a carer MUST hold an employed WWCC not a volunteer card. The volunteer card checks are not as thorough as the employed WWCC background checks.
In Australia, the Working With Children Check is legislated by each state and territory for the purpose of conducting background checks for people seeking to engage in child-related work. These checks aim to prevent people from working or volunteering with children if records indicate that they may pose an unacceptable level of risk to children. While the check is currently conducted on a state level, an Australian government royal commission has called for the transition to a nationwide check. At the same time, some researchers have questioned the effectiveness of a nationwide approach, citing advantages of the particular state scheme developments
IMPORTANT – You cannot use a different state’s WWCC to work in another state. This is illegal and fines apply.
Most states now also require service providers and cares undertake training on Child Safe Standards.
APPLYING FOR A WWCC IN YOUR STATE
NSW: Apply for a Working with Children Check | Service NSW
VIC: How to apply | Working with Children
SA: Screening Unit – Applications
ACT: New Application (act.gov.au)
WA: How do I apply for a WWC Check in Western Australia (workingwithchildren.wa.gov.au)
NT: Working with children clearance: apply and renew | NT.GOV.AU
TAS: Registration to work with vulnerable people (cbos.tas.gov.au)
CHILD SAFE STANDARDS
NSW: Implementing the Child Safe Standards | Office of the Children’s Guardian (nsw.gov.au)
VIC: CCYP | Child Safe Standards
QLD: Home | Child Safety Practice Manual (csyw.qld.gov.au)
SA: DHS – National Principles for child safe organisations
WA: Child Safe Organisations WA (ccyp.wa.gov.au)
NT: Quality Assurance Program | Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities
Penalties and fines apply – Victoria as an example below. First example is as a nanny and second example is a service provider: Offences and Penalties | Working with Children
