WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK

The Victorian Government (Department of Justice) has introduced a new checking system which will affect some people who work or volunteer with children. The Working with Children (WWC) Check helps to protect children from sexual or physical harm by checking a person's criminal history for serious sexual, violence or drug offences and findings from professional disciplinary bodies. The introduction of the Working With Children Check creates a mandatory minimum checking standard across Victoria .

This process came into effect on 1 July 2006. Volunteers (which you are considered to be) who are undertaking practicum in a school, kindergarten or childcare centre are required now to apply for a Working With Children Check.

Please note that as a volunteer you do not need to pay for this card.

You may wish to read the information about the new Working With Children Check on the Department of Justice website.

www.justice.vic.gov.au/workingwithchildren

Following are the instructions:

• Complete a Working with Children Check application form. Application forms will be available from participating outlets of Australia Post. The University of Melbourne Post Office is a participating post office or visit the Australia Post website to locate your nearest participating outlet.
• Organise your proof of identity documentation.
• Organise a passport size photo.
• Complete the application form.
• Under the section marked Details of Child-Related Work (page 13) – The Code Number is 52. Put a cross (X) the volunteer box.
• Under the section marked Details of Organisation/s you must write in the following

Melbourne Graduate School of Education
Bld 162 Monash Road
The University of Melbourne
Victoria 3010

(There is no street address)

Include the following telephone number 03 8344 8773

• Take your completed application form, proof of identity documentation, passport size photo and, if required for paid employment, the $70 fee (free for volunteers) to a participating Australia Post outlet. You will receive your Application Receipt Number from Australia Post. This number is your unique number and is evidence that you have submitted your application.

• When you receive your card you are required to photocopy it and bring it to the Education Student Centre, Level 2 - Alice Hoy Building.

If you have applied for your Working With Children Card previous to enrolling at this university you must ensure that The University of Melbourne’s details are provided to the Department of Justice under the section “Details of Organisation/s”. If these details have not been included please complete and submit a Notification of Change of Personal Details Form from the Department of Justice website (Employee and Volunteer Obligations). Your change of telephone and address details can also be changed using this form.

If we do not receive a copy of this card (or evidence of the Working With Children Check Application receipt) you will be unable to complete any practicum requirements of your course. Therefore, you will be unable to complete any degree, diploma or certificate with a practicum requirement.

If you need any advice regarding this process please telephone or email Veronica Plozza - Telephone: 03 8344 8773 Email : vaplozza@unimelb.edu.au

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