The WWC Check is a targeted screening strategy for people engaged in child-related work. Only those individuals who meet the definition of child-related work in the Working with Children (Screening) Act 2004 (the Act) are eligible to apply for a WWC Check.
The Unit has seen large increases in the number of WWC Check applications from individuals who are not in child-related work but who have been required to apply for a WWC Check by their organisation.
This over capturing of people who are ineligible to apply for a WWC Check under the Act, leads to:
- Individuals consenting to an invasive criminal history check when it is not required
- Individuals incurring the cost of the applications and we do not offer refunds
- Organisations over relying on WWC Checks as a child safety measure
- An increase in the workload for the Unit, which can divert staff from their core purpose of screening people who should be in child-related work to ensure they do not pose a risk of harm to children
To address this trend, the Unit has been focusing on educating and engaging organisations about who does and doesn’t need a WWC Check. We have undertaken one-on-one consultations with organisations, drafted sector specific bulletins and held Ready, Check, Go! online sessions for dance clubs and business and the religious sector to provide them with an in-depth understanding of the WWC Check.
Heading into 2025, the Unit will continue to engage with other sectors to ensure that organisations understand their obligations under the Act and that the WWC Check is just one strategy that can be used to keep children safe.
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