By Joseph Kelly, Kelly Workplace Lawyers
A working with children’s clearance (WWCC) is a screening process in Australia that assesses if an individual is suitable to work with children, such as in child-related work or volunteer positions. It involves a background check of a person’s criminal history, including any charges and offences, to ensure the safety and well-being of children.
If you pass the WWCC you will be issued with a WWCC card from your relevant State body.
How can I lose my WWCC?
You may have your eligibility to hold a Working With Children (WWC) Clearance reassessed if either of the following has happened:
a. You have been charged with, convicted or found guilty of certain criminal offences; or
b. You have becomes subject to certain obligations or orders; or
c. You have certain types of professional disciplinary findings made against you; or
d. You have a finding of reportable conduct made against you.
In short, if you have been charged by police with conduct that may pose a risk to children, or found by your employer to have engaged in conduct that may have put children at risk, your WWCC will be suspended pending a reassessment.
What do I need to do to get my WWCC back?
You will need to satisfy the relevant decision maker that your engagement in any type of child-related work would not pose an unjustifiable risk to the safety of children. To do this you will need to (among other things):
1. Evidence that you understand the nature and gravity of the conduct;
2. Explain the factors that led to the conduct;
3. Provide details of the steps you’ve taken to address those factors;
4. Prove that you understand your obligation to keep children free of risk; and
5. Provide written references from people who have seen you work with or interact with children.
At KWL we have considerable experience with helping employees regain their WWCC. Please contact us to discuss.
