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Find out if you need a working with children check

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    Use this tool to find out if you need a Department for Human Services (DHS) working with children check (WWCC) before working or volunteering with children.

    To work in the department (including in corporate offices), you must have a current Department for Human Services (DHS) working with children check (WWCC). Some volunteers in public schools, preschools and early childhood services also need a WWCC.

    Visit about working with children checks to find out more about the checks and who is required to have one.

    This screening guide was updated on 1 July 2019.

    Contractors or third party providers to Department for Education or a governing council include:

    • Tutors
    • Youth workers
    • Christian pastoral support workers
    • Electricians
    • IT technicians
    • Cleaners
    • Auditors
    • Canteen staff
    • OSHC staff
    • Bus drivers

    Will you be providing contracted services that involve:

    • having contact with or working in close proximity to children on a regular basis
    • supervision or management of people in such positions
    • having access to records of an education or child care service

    To other DECD services

    My own child is involved in the volunteer activity or service

    School parent or carer-Volunteer

    Is the activity or service one of the following:

    • school sleep over
    • overnight camp
    • child care centre
    • close personal contact with children, that involves toileting or changing clothes
    • hosting billets
    • hosting homestay students
    • working with children with disabilities.

    PCG-SPC-Volunteer-Yes

    Do you have a child attending the school?

    Parent, carer or guardian-Governing Council member

    Is the Governing Council the employing authority for an out of school hours care service?

    Parent, carer or guardian-Governing Council member-Yes

    Does the following apply to you:

    • Left school for 6 months or more and re-enrol as an 18 year-old
    • Undertake work experience in a preschool, primary school, secondary school, out of school care or childcare centre.
    Secondary student

    Do you have a child attending the school?

    Community member-Governing Council member

    Is the governing council the employing authority for an out of school hours care service?

    Community member-Governing Council member-Yes

    To teach, visit or volunteer in Department for Education sites and services you require a Teachers Registration Board screening and DHS working with children check. Find out more at Teachers Registration Board WWCC.

    A screening is not required if you turn 18 while enrolled at school or to coach or tutor other students while supervised at all times by an adult.

    A screening is not required to attend a single event or activity.

    A screening is not required to visit or attend your child’s concert, sports day, fundraiser, excursion or school celebration etc.

    No screening is required unless otherwise required in the relevant contract or agreement.

    To care for children and young people you need a DHS working with children check

    To hire or use school facilities to provide services to children or adults, the user or hirer determines if a DHS working with children check is required and is responsible for meeting child protection obligations.

    To work in Department for Education sites and services you need a DHS working with children check

    You do not require screening for this activity

    You do not require screening to host secondary students for workplace experience or a school-based apprenticeship.

    You do not require screening unless the service is a Department for Child Protection service.

    You need a DHS working with children check to provide research or tertiary supervision services in a Department for Education site or service

    You need a DHS working with children check to undertake or supervise a practicum

    You need a DHS working with children check to volunteer as a community member (not as a parent or guardian) for any Department for Education service

    You need a DHS working with children check unless you are under 18 years old

    To work in Department for Education sites you need a DHS working with children check

    You need a DHS working with children check

    You must produce your SA Health identification as evidence of your screening and employment status

    You need a DHS working with children check

    You must produce your TAFE SA identification as evidence of your screening and employment status

    People and Culture

    Phone: 8226 1356
    Email: education.hr@sa.gov.au