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How the Check is Different from a Police Records Check

There are four major differences between the Working with Children (WWC) Check and a standard police records check.

• While a standard police records check gives information about a person’s past criminal record, the WWC Check’s system of initial and ongoing checking enables the Department of Justice to become aware of any new offences of potential concern. The department will consider re-assessing whether the person should continue to hold an Assessment Notice and WWC Check card when it is notified of new charges, convictions or findings of guilt.
• A new WWC Check is not required when you change your employer or volunteer organisation (except if moving from a volunteer to a paid position) as the WWC Check is valid for five years, unless it is revoked or surrendered in that time.
• Not all offences are of concern to the WWC Check. Broadly, the WWC Check considers serious sexual, violent and drug offences.
• The WWC Check also considers any relevant findings made against a person by a prescribed professional disciplinary body (currently the Victorian Institute of Teaching and the out of home care Suitability Panel).