New screening requirements are now in effect

Posted Sep 10, 2019 in Safe Church

Many people have heard the term Working with Children Check (WWCC) in recent months. New legislation in South Australia requires volunteers and employees, who may have contact with children, to hold a valid child-related screening authority.

Within the Uniting Church in South Australia, everyone in a ‘role of responsibility’ is required to hold a Working with Children Check in addition to any checks specific to their role within the Church.

The screening process involves two steps:

1. Request the Synod to submit a screening application to the SA Government, Department of Human Services (DHS)
2. DHS will send an email with a link to activate your account and provide the relevant personal information to process your request (this will include a 100 point identification check)

 If you are a Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer or member of Church Council, you will need to request at least two specific screenings:

1. Working with Children Check
2. General Employment Probity

Any existing screening authorities issued by the Synod of SA remain valid until the earlier of 30 June 2020 or the expiry date of the screening. Don’t leave your screening renewal to the last minute. If an existing screening authority expires in the next six months, please start the above renewal process now.

All volunteers will continue to receive their relevant screening checks for free. Ministers and employees will need to pay a fee to DHS when they lodge their information.

Be aware that it’s illegal to work or volunteer in a child-related role without a valid Working with Children Check. Significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment, may apply to breaches.   

For more information about the Screening and Authority Process:

https://sa.uca.org.au/safechurch/screening

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