Working With Children Checks

The Working with Children Act 2005, forms one part of the Victorian Government’s Child Protection Reform Initiative. The Act creates minimum standards across Victoria, which require those who work or volunteer with children to undergo criminal record checks for serious sex, violence and drug offences and for relevant findings from professional disciplinary bodies. All employees, self-employed persons and volunteers who are involved in defined categories of child-related employment and have regular, direct contact with children which is not directly supervised, will be required to apply for a Working With Children Check.

The Working with Children Act 2005 falls within the Attorney-General’s portfolio and the checks are implemented by the Department of Justice.

The Office of the Child Safety Commissioner is responsible for undertaking an annual review of the administration of Working with Children, including recommendations for its improvement and assisting in community education about the Working with Children Act 2005, as one of a range of child safe practices.

Further information about Working With Children Checks can be found on the Department of Justice website at: www.justice.vic.gov.au/workingwithchildren