Working with Children Check Card

Are you or your staff required by law to have a Working with Children Check (WWC Check)?

The WWC Check is designed to help keep children safe. The Check was introduced in Victoria in 2006 and aims to prevent people who may pose a risk to the safety of children from working with them.

As part of the 5 year staged implementation of the checking system, people undertaking paid or voluntary ‘child related work’ (as defined by the Working with Children Act 2005) in connection with the following occupations may need to apply for a WWCC Card by 30 June 2010:

• Clubs, associations or movements of a recreational or sporting nature in connection with all remaining sport and recreation groups not previously phased-in* that:
  • provide services or conduct activities for, or directed at, children, or
  • whose membership is mainly comprised of children (Code number 72)
• Coaching or tuition services of any kind for children (Code number 28)

Not all people volunteering or working in the above occupational categories will need a WWC Check as some exemptions apply. However, if you are required to obtain a WWC Check but fail to apply by the closing date, criminal offences may apply. For more information on whether you need a WWC:

• visit the Department of Justice, Working with Children Check Unit website
• email workingwithchildren@justice.vic.gov.au or
• call the Information Line: 1300 652 879. Hours of operation are 8:30am - 5pm weekdays (excluding public holidays)

If you need an interpreter please call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 1450 and have them contact the WWC Check Information Line on 1300 652 879.

* Previously phased-in recreational and sporting areas are - athletics (including Little Athletics), basketball, cricket, football (Australian Rules), football (soccer), gymnastics (including trampolining), martial arts, netball, swimming (including lifesaving)