Working with Children Check
In 2006, the Victorian Government introduced a new checking system to help protect children under 18 years of age from physical or sexual harm.
The Working with Children (WWC) Check creates a mandatory minimum checking standard across Victoria. The WWC Check helps to keep children safe by preventing those who pose a risk to the safety of children from working with them, in either paid or volunteer work.
If you work or volunteer with children you may need to apply for a WWC Check. Employers, volunteer organisations and agencies must ensure that any of their staff or volunteers who need a WWC Check have applied.
Everybody who requires a WWC Check must have a WWC Check or have applied for one by 30 June 2011.
What’s new
Change of Fees
From 1 July 2011, the fee to process a WWC Check Employee application will be $79.60*.
From 1 July 2011, the fee to replace an Employee WWC Check Card will be $18.20*.
*The Victorian Government automatically indexes certain fees and fines each year for inflation, in accordance with the Monetary Units Act 2004.
Renewing Your Working with Children Check
WWC Checks are valid for five years. You need to renew your Check if you intend to continue doing ‘child-related work’ after your card expires. A renewal application form will be posted to you approximately eight weeks before your WWC Check expires. The expiry date is clearly marked on the front and back of your card. If you do not receive a renewal application form please check that you’ve notified the department of your current address using Online Change of Details. If your details are correct but you have not received your renewal application form, please call the Information Line on 1300 652 879.
Please refer to ‘Renewing Your Check’ and Renewals Frequently Asked Questions for further information.
Subscribe to the new WWC Check eNewsletter
You will receive regular updates with latest news and best practice advice to help you manage the WWC Check in your organisation.Sign up here
Have you moved house, changed jobs, or where you volunteer and simply forgotten to tell us?
It is easy to update your details.You can update them using Online Services, post the changes on the Change of Details form or call the Information Line on 1300 652 879.
Your WWC Check is a vital and integral part of helping protect children from harm and it is your responsibility to tell us when your details change.
When to Apply
The Working with Children (WWC) Check is now fully implemented. If you are required under the Working with Children Act 2005 (the Act) to pass the WWC Check, you must now apply before you undertake child-related work or you may be subject to penalties under the Act.