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:
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 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.
Thank you to Simon for preparing this Lenten Series of Life Group Bible Studies on Lamentations. For each week there are some helpful thoughts, suggested readings and questions either for discussion in groups or for pondering on your own.
There are printed copies of each study on the Easter Resource Table at church - they are also available for download below:
As a church we are following Tim Chester’s 3-year Bible Reading Plan, taking us through the Old Testament once and the New Testament twice. It’s in weekly chunks so there is no pressure if you happen to miss a day. It’s flexible and manageable. We've done it for the past 3 years and we're starting it again in 2022.
Developing a Bible reading habit can be challenging so we'd suggest doing it together. This way you'll not only read the Bible but also be able to share with others the insights you are gaining from the readings and be encouraged to keep going.
How to get involved:
We'd love to have you join us!
Thank you to Graham Buxton for preparing this series of Life Group Bible Studies on 1 Corinthians. For each set of studies there's an introduction and then short and helpful reflections with questions throughout.
The complete series are now available for download below: