Time to reapply for your Working with Children Check?
Stronger, more effective and transparent screening laws came into effect in South Australia in 2019, requiring people who work or volunteer in child-related roles to have a Working with Children Check (WWCC).
A WWCC is valid for five years. If yours expires in the next six months, it’s time to apply again. You must apply for a new WWCC and receive clearance before your check expire to continue doing child-related work in South Australia.
Apply online at sa.gov.au/wwcc. You’ll need to provide:
Learn more at sa.gov.au/screening.
Working with Children Checks help keep kids safe in our communities. Thank you for doing your part!
Check out the most frequently asked questions below:
How do I know when my check expires?
The Screening Unit in the Department of Human Services will try to contact you by SMS and email up to 6 months before your current check expires – but you don’t have to wait to hear from them to act. You can go online now to find out the expiry date of your check and update your contact details. Go to www.sa.gov.au/wwcc.
How do I apply for a WWCC?
Apply online at www.sa.gov.au/wwcc. You’ll need to provide:
Most people can verify their identity online with their driver’s licence plus 1 of the following:
If you don’t have these documents, allow extra time to take other proof of ID to a verifying officer.
How long will it take for my application to be processed?
Allow at least 3 months for your application to be processed. Complex applications may take longer. You must verify your ID and pay the fee (if applicable) before your application can be processed.
Will my employer apply on my behalf or should I apply myself?
Check with your manager or HR department.
Does everyone who works with children need a WWCC?
You need a Working with Children Check if you are 14 or over and you do:
You also need a Working with Children Check if you run a business where employees or volunteers do child-related work.
Parents or guardians do not require a Working with Children Check if the child-related work is voluntary and involves their own child.
What is child-related work?
It can include a wide range of industries and roles, such as:
The following is NOT child-related work:
Any other service or activity in the course of which contact with children occurs incidentally or would not reasonably be expected to occur.
For further advice, call the Business Advice Hotline on (08) 8300 0000 (select option 1) if you are a South Australian Business Chamber Member.