The State Government is urging people who work or volunteer with children to ensure they have a valid child-related clearance by 1 July 2019, as part of recent changes to legislation.
The changes are the result of recommendations from South Australian and Federal Royal Commissions, to help increase the safety of children in our communities.
From July, a number of people not previously required to have a check will be required to have one by law. People in roles that work with children, such as children’s party entertainers, ministers of religion and bus drivers, will be required to have a working with children check from 1 July 2019.
If you have a current check
There are transitional arrangements in place for people with a valid existing check. You do not need to do anything right now.
- If you have an existing valid DHS/DSCI child-related employment screening, you can keep using it and then apply for a new working with children check before your current check expires.
- If you have a national police check assessed by an organisation or employer, you can keep using it for now, but you will need to get a new working with children check by 1 July 2020.
If you do not have a current check
If you do not have one of these checks and want to work or volunteer with children after 1 July 2019, you are encouraged to apply for a current child-related employment screening check as soon as possible.
The State Government continues to roll out an education campaign to inform affected groups, through community engagement and advertising.
Information kit
Affected organisations are also encouraged to download the ‘Working with children check information kit' (PDF 3.2 MB), which will help them promote the changes to volunteers or employees.
For more information, visit the Screening Unit website.