When it comes to caring for your children, it’s important to make sure you choose the right person for the job. In Australia, it’s a legal requirement that all nannies have a Working With Children Check (WWCC), and it’s the responsibility of parents to check that their nanny has this before entering into a child care arrangement.
What Is a Working With Children Check?
A Working With Children Check is a background check that helps ensure people working with children have been properly screened. It’s a compulsory check for anyone working in a regulated child-related activity. It assesses a person’s criminal history and other relevant information to help identify any potential risks in allowing them to work with children.
Who Needs a Working With Children Check?
Any person working in a regulated child-related activity in Australia is required to have a Working With Children Check. This includes nannies, babysitters, child care workers, teachers, and coaches. It’s important to note that this requirement applies to both paid and volunteer work.
What Does the Working With Children Check Involve?
The Working With Children Check involves a check of a person’s criminal history, and other relevant information such as relevant court orders, police investigations, and other relevant information. The check also assesses a person’s suitability to work with children based on their past behaviour.
How Do You Get a Working With Children Check?
In most states and territories in Australia, the application for a Working With Children Check is completed online. Applicants must submit personal, identity and employment information. They will also be required to answer questions about any criminal history or other relevant information.
Once the application is processed, the applicant will receive a card in the mail with their Working With Children Check details. It’s important to note that the card is only valid for five years, and must be renewed before the expiry date.
What Are the Penalties for Not Having a Working With Children Check?
It is a legal requirement that all people working with children in a regulated activity have a Working With Children Check. If a person is found not to have a valid check, they can be fined or even face jail time.
How Do You Check That Your Nanny Has a Working With Children Check?
Once you’ve chosen a nanny, it’s important to ensure that they have a valid Working With Children Check. Some nannies may provide you with a copy of their card or a copy of their WWCC registration number. If not, you can request a copy from the relevant authority in your state or territory.
Conclusion
Choosing the right nanny for your children is an important decision, and it’s essential to ensure that your nanny has a valid Working With Children Check. This check helps to ensure that your nanny has been properly screened and is suitable to work with children. It’s the responsibility of parents to check that their nanny has a valid Working With Children Check before entering into a child care arrangement.
