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Find out if you need a working with children check

Use this tool to check 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 you must have a current working with children check. Some volunteers in public schools, preschools and early childhood services also need a WWCC.

Current, valid child-related employment screening checks done by DHS (previously known as DCSI) will be recognised until they expire.

A volunteer WWCC issued after 1 July 2019 is not a valid check for paid employment with the department.

New employees with an existing student WWCC can undertake paid work with the department. Once the student WWCC expires, the employee must get a general WWCC.

The Department for Human Services (DHS) gives more information about law changes effective from 1 July 2019.  

This guide applies to Department for Education schools, preschools and early childhood services. See Department for Child Protection for their WWCC requirements.

Use this screening guide to find out if you need a WWCC and what kind of screening you need.

This screening guide was updated on 1 July 2019.

I am enquiring as a current or prospective (choose most relevant)

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

My own child is involved in the volunteer activity or service

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.

Do you have a child attending the school?

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

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.

Do you have a child attending the school?

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

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 Families SA service

You need a DHS working with children check

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