Working with Children Checks

The Working with Children Check (WWCC) in Australia is a crucial assessment to determine if an individual poses an unacceptable risk to children.

Mandatory for roles involving proximity or in-person service to children, the WWCC scrutinizes criminal history, child protection data, and other relevant information. Commonly referred to as WWCC or WWC in various states, its Queensland counterpart is known as a “Blue Card,” while the Australian Capital Territory has the Working with Vulnerable People registration.

Legislated by each state and territory, the check aims to prevent individuals with records indicating an unacceptable risk to children from engaging in child-related work. Notably different from a police check, the WWCC is an ongoing assessment, encompassing criminal history, pending charges, non-conviction charges, and disciplinary records.

The check is vital for roles like nannies, children tutors, and those working voluntarily in children’s schools. It aids employers in child care to make informed recruitment decisions. Notably, the WWCC is not transferable between states, requiring reapplication when working in a different state or territory.

Understanding the nuances between the WWCC and a police check is essential, with the former offering continuous evaluation while the latter provides a point-in-time criminal history check. Ultimately, the WWCC is a proactive measure to protect vulnerable members of society and ensure a safe environment for children.

Read more about the types of required information and the checks carried out to work with children here.