New, stronger screening laws for people wanting to work or volunteer with children in South Australia have come into effect today, 1 July 2019.
The new working with children check replaces the previous State Government child-related screening check and aligns South Australia with new national standards to increase the safety of children in our communities.
The changes require anyone working with children to have a check by law from today.
A number of roles that did not previously need to have a check now need one, including:
- children’s party entertainers
- religious ministers
- bus drivers.
Under the new system, checks for volunteers remain free. For paid employment, the working with children check is $113.30.
There are arrangements in place for people with a valid existing check to ensure a smooth transition to the new system. This means that the majority of people do not need to act immediately.
Transitional arrangements
Transitional arrangements include:
- An existing DHS/DCSI child-related employment screening can continue to be used until it expires, then the individual must apply for a new working with children check.
- A national police check assessed by an organisation or employer can continue to be used until 1 July 2020, then the individual will need to get a new working with children check.
- Emergency Services workers must have a new working with children check by 1 July 2022.
- If the individual has no check, and wants to work or volunteer with children, they must apply for and possess a valid working with children check before commencing or continuing work.
The new working with children check is valid for five years and will be transferable between jobs.
For more information, visit the Screening Unit website.