People who work or volunteer with children are being encouraged to check the expiry date of their Working with Children Check (WWCC) and submit their re-application as soon as possible, to ensure their screening remains up to date.
The current WWCC system – with checks valid for 5 years – was introduced in July 2019 and up to 150,000 renewals are expected in the coming year on top of new applications. Already more than 40,000 renewals have been received. A WWCC is a legal requirement for people aged 14 and over who do child-related work in both paid and unpaid roles.
The government has been encouraging employers, workers and volunteers to apply early to make sure checks are completed by the time they are needed. So far, around half of those with a WWCC expiring in August and September have submitted early applications.
The State Government has invested in boosting the Department of Human Services (DHS) Screening Unit team with an additional 35 staff to assist with the large number of WWCCs coming up for renewal.
This has helped to deliver average processing times of about 8 days but many applications require detailed assessment and can take longer so it's important for people to apply now if they have a check expiring in the coming three months.
New school semesters – like the one this week – and other events can drive a surge in new applications.
More than 600,000 South Australians hold a WWCC across a range of professional and volunteer roles, including teachers and school staff, childcare workers, foster carers, sports club volunteers, bus drivers, medical staff, religious leaders, private tutors and coaches, and many more child-related roles.
Anyone with a WWCC that is about to expire will receive a reminder notification from the DHS Screening Unit (if they have provided up-to-date contact information).
To apply for a WWCC or to update your contact details, visit www.sa.gov.au/screening or phone the DHS Screening Unit on 1300 321 592 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
As put by Nat Cook
Working with children, whether it is in a paid role or through a volunteer organisation is incredibly rewarding – but it comes with a responsibility to keep kids safe.
Working with Children Checks (WWCC) are an important tool to protect children from adults who would pose an unacceptable risk to their safety and wellbeing.
It is pleasing to see that so many South Australians who require a WWCC for their work or volunteer roles have submitted their reapplication before expiry, with the first five-year period expiring from 1 July 2024.
I would encourage anyone with a WWCC that is going to expire in the next three months to get their application in as soon as possible to ensure their clearance is up to date.
Our government has invested in boosting the DHS Screening Unit team and we are seeing good processing times as a result.
