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Application Process

Before applying for a Working with Children (WWC) Check, you need to:

1. Determine whether you need a WWC Check.
2. Find out when you need to apply.
3. Before commencing child-related work, complete your application form and lodge it at a participating Australia Post outlet with your original identification documents and your passport-size photograph. If you undertake paid child-related work, you will also be required to pay the application fee at this time.

The following steps will be undertaken to process your application:

• proof of identity check
• national police records check
• professional disciplinary body check (currently only the Victorian Institute of Teaching and the out of home carers Suitability Panel)
• assessment of any criminal offences and/or findings from a professional disciplinary body
• where required, the Department of Justice may seek further information from you or others
• if an Interim Negative Notice is issued, you may lodge a submission explaining why you believe you should pass the Check, which will be considered by the department in assessing your application. Please note that in some cases, involving serious sex offences, the department has no choice but to issue a Negative Notice - this is required by law
• decision and issue of Assessment Notice or Negative Notice
• a decision to issue a Negative Notices can be reviewed at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.