You may have heard the ads on the radio or seen information online and chances are you know all about the new Working with Children Check (WWCC) which is due to commence next Monday 1 July 2019.

Just in case you don’t, here’s a reminder about what you need to do.

When you apply to the TRB for teacher registration or renewal of registration you must now hold a valid WWCC.

If you hold a current DHS Child-related Screening Clearance you can apply for registration or renewal of registration without a WWCC however, you must apply for a WWCC before this clearance expires.

Working with Children Checks are only available through the Department of Human Services and are valid for 5 years. You must hold a valid one at all times if you are working with children.

We recommend all teachers who are due to renew before the 31 December this year and who don’t hold a current DHS Child-related Screening Clearance apply for a Working with Children Check as soon as possible. This will assist in preventing possible delays in the renewal process.

If you let your Working with Children Check lapse (or if your current child-related clearance expires and you fail to gain a WWCC before it expires), under Section 33A of the Children’s Protection Law Reform Act 2017, your registration may be suspended without notice.

There will be monitoring arrangements in place but it is essential that you are aware of when your WWCC expires and ensure that you have a valid WWCC at all times.

If you are not due to renew your registration until 2020 or 2021 you are not required to do anything at this time. However, when applying to renew your registration you will be required to have a WWCC so you will need to apply for one before you renew your registration.

For further information on what you need to do to apply for a WWCC contact the Central Assessment Unit of the Department of Human Services.

For further information about how the WWCC impacts teacher registration visit our website.