Helping to Protect Children 1

What is the WWC Check? A checking system that commenced in 2006 Helps to protect children from sexual or physical harm Assists to prevent those who are a risk to the safety of children from working with them, in either paid or voluntary work WWC Check creates a mandatory minimum standard across Victoria Since inception over 1.2 million cards have been issued. 1

Building barriers for protection WWC Check is one mechanism – will not solely determine a person’s suitability to work with children Organisations need to satisfy themselves an applicant is suitable to work with or care for children WWC Check complements good recruitment, selection, supervision and training of staff 1

Who needs to apply for a WWC Check? Not intended to cover all contact with children – only those doing ‘child-related work’ as defined by legislation. To determine if work is ‘child-related work’ ask: Is it work that involves working with or caring for children? Is the contact with children in connection with one or more of the 20 occupational fields set out in the legislation? Does it involve, or likely to usually involve, regular, direct contact that is not directly supervised by another person? Does an exemption apply? 1

Exemptions A number of exemptions apply including: Children (under the age of 18 years) A volunteer parent Sworn Victorian and Federal police officers Teachers who have current registration with VIT The complete list of exemptions is available on the WWC Check website. 1

WWC Check application process Applicant needs to fill in an online application form Print out Application summary and receipt. Prepare : proof of identity documents a passport size photo Fee - Free for volunteers, $102.70 for employees and self-employed Lodge application at Australia Post Applicant needs to keep receipt as evidence of submitting an application 1

MyCheck MyCheck is an online portal for applicants and cardholders. You can use MyCheck to : Update your personal and organisation details Replace lost/stolen/damaged cards Apply for a new Check You need to register before you can start using MyCheck 1

Updating Change of Details It is a legal requirement to inform DOJ of any change to personal details or organisation details. These include change of: address telephone/mobile numbers and employer/voluntary agency details. You can change your details online using MyCheck

Renewals A renewal application form will be posted to you approximately eight weeks before your WWC Check expires. This form will be pre-populated with your details. If the information is correct, take your application and current WWC Check card to Australia Post to lodge your renewal. If the information on the form is not correct, please update your details using MyCheck. A new renewal form will then be sent to you.

Summary The WWC Check: helps to protect children from physical and sexual harm is only for individuals involved in child-related work is a balance between protecting children and safeguarding individual rights 1

Further Information WWC Check Customer Support 1300 652 879 (8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday) WWC Check website http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au MyCheck https://online.justice.vic.gov.au/wwccu/login.doj WWC Check email workingwithchildren@justice.vic.gov.au This presentation is a guide only and is not a substitute for legal advice or the relevant legislation 1