Stronger, more effective and transparent screening laws came into effect in South Australia on 1 July 2019, requiring people who work or volunteer with children to have a Working with Children Check (WWCC). A WWCC is valid for 5 years. Workers in child-related roles need to apply again and receive clearance before their current check expires. If your WWCC expires in the next 6 months, it’s time to apply again now. Apply online at www.sa.gov.au/wwcc.

Not sure when your check expires? The DHS Screening Unit will try to contact you by SMS and email when your check is close to expiry – but you don’t have to wait to hear from us. You can go online to www.sa.gov.au/wwcc to update your contact details and confirm the expiry date of your check.

When you apply, you’ll need to provide:

·       any previous names you've had, including maiden names, aliases or nicknames

·       your address details for the last five years

·       proof of ID

Please allow plenty of time for your application to be processed – we recommend at least 3 months. Complex applications can take longer to process.

Need help or have questions? You can phone the Screening Unit on 1300 321 592 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm). You can also learn more online at www.sa.gov.au/wwcc.

In this segment, we hear from Ruth Ambler and Belinda Haines. Ruth is the Deputy Chief Executive of the Department of Human Services. Her areas of responsibility include worker screenings, provision of State Government concessions, regulation of restrictive practices in disability services, inclusion policy and and the Office for Women.

Belinda is the People and Culture Manager at the SANFL.