What is a Working with Children Check, and do I need one?

A Working with Children Check (WWCC) is a government assessment to check whether or not an individual is safe to work with children.

A WWCC is needed for all people who work or volunteer with children, however given the definition of 'child related work' in South Australia (see here for details), the Uniting Church has decided that everyone in a role of responsibility within the church (ie. all leaders and helpers aged 14+) must have a valid WWCC.

What about the previous Police Check forms?

The new WWCCs were introduced on 1 July 2019 and are stronger, more effective and more transparent than the previous Uniting Church Screening Checks ('Police Checks').

Effective 30 June 2020, the previous Uniting Church Screening Checks (ie. the previous 'Police Checks') are no longer recognised under law, even if they have not yet expired.

I already have a valid DHS/DCSI clearance... do I need to do anything?

Yes - you need to do two things:

1. Inform our Safe Church Congregation Liaison (Sue Laycock) who will make a record of the number.
2. Complete this online form, entering the number of your valid clearance at Question 12/13 ('Details of your existing Working with Children Check') and continuing to see whether further Screening Checks are required. This enables the Uniting Church to register an interest in your valid DHS/DCSI clearance.

Note: If you are a teacher, please read this info sheet that has been written following numerous unsuccessful attempts by many of our teachers to organise a current WWCC through the SA UCA website.

What's the difference between the old and new checks?

There are several differences, including:

• The new checks are portable, in other words WWCCs from another organisation are now able to be recognised by the Uniting Church, ie. there is no longer a need to complete a specific Uniting Church check if you already have a valid WWCC through another organisation (eg. via the Education Department)
• The new checks are valid for 5 years (previously 3 years) and are now continuously monitored

The new checks remain free for all volunteers. For more FAQs see pp.5-6 of the Information on the Screening and Authority Process information sheet.

I think I may need a new WWCC... what do I need to do?

Make yourself a cup of tea and head over to our Screening Checks resource page for further information.