The Working with Children Check (WWCC) is indeed a crucial requirement for anyone involved in child-related work in New South Wales (NSW). It includes a National Police Check and a review of reportable workplace misconduct. The following article provides information on applying for a WWCC in NSW.
What Is Checked?
The Working with Children Check screening process checks the following groups of records:
1. Your national criminal history. The records that are reviewed include:
-
convictions (spent or unspent)
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charges (whether heard, unheard or dismissed)
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juvenile records.
2. Any findings of misconduct by a relevant entity. Findings of reportable misconduct include:
- Sexual misconduct committed against, with or in the presence of a child, including grooming a child
- Any serious physical assault of a child.
How Long Does The Process Take?
Once proof of identity has been provided to a Service NSW Centre, it can take up to 4 weeks for us to receive National Police Criminal History results.
What If I Have A Criminal History?
Having a criminal record does not necessarily result in a bar from working with children. You can still apply for a Working with Children Check. The outcome of the Check will depend on the type of criminal or workplace records you have.
Fees
If you're applying as a paid employee or self-employed, there's a fee for the WWCC. However, volunteers, students on professional placements, potential adoptive parents, and authorised carers do not need to pay the fee.
Completing The WWCC Application Process From Overseas Or Interstate
You must be in NSW to complete the Working with Children Check application process. This is because you need to attend a Service NSW Centre to have your identification verified and to make payment, if applicable. There is no alternative to this unless you are an authorised carer or adult household member.
A NSW WWCC clearance lasts for 5 years and is continuously monitored, even if the holder moves jobs.
Reference:
Working with Children Check, Office of the Children's Guardian, NSW Government
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