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 to apply for a Working With Children Check.

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

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 commence any of the practicum requirements of your course. Therefore, you will be unable to complete any degree, diploma or certificate with a practicum requirement.

You may wish to read the information about the Working With Children Check on the Department of Justice website or contact them on their Information Line Tel: 1300 652 879

www.justice.vic.gov.au/workingwithchildren

• How to apply for a Working With Children Card

• How to change your personal details (and how to include the university's details)

• How to replace a Working With Children Card

Useful Information

• If you are intending on working at a childcare centre you will be required by the Department of Human Services to provide the centre with a current Criminal Records Check. These forms are available from Australia Post Offices or the Victoria Police Website.

Victoria Police - Criminal Records Checks

• If you have a volunteer status Working With Children Card and wish to change to an employee status Working With Children Card you will need to reapply using a new application form. On this application you will be required to provide your current Working With Children Card number. As well as your new employer details you must also include the Faculty of Education's details under the section marked Details of Organisation/s (page 13). Please write in the following -

Professional Practice
Melb Grad School of Education
Bld 162 Monash Road
The University of Melbourne
Victoria 3010

Include the following telephone number 03 8344 8773

• If you have current registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching you are not required to obtain a Working With Children Card.

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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