People working with children required to pass new universal background screening

Every person who works with children — including teachers, emergency service workers and children’s party entertainers — will need a universal background check from July.

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Everyone who works with children — including teachers, emergency service workers and volunteers – will need a universal background check from July.

Until now authorities have required a police background check but not necessarily one by the Human Services Department to examine potential red flags, which might not have led to a criminal record.

Laws taking effect from July 1 will impose the same combined check for everyone working or volunteering with children.

The department processed 102,000 background checks for child-related work last financial year.

Professions to be covered for the first time include teachers of preschool, primary and secondary students, emergency services and health workers, children’s party entertainers and ministers of religion. Currently, teachers undergo a separate clearance via the Teachers Registration Board.

Human Services Minister Michelle Lensink said the change meant screening of all people working or volunteering with children would be nationally consistent and “puts the safety of children front and centre, as they should be”.

Professions to be covered for the first time under the background checks include teachers of preschool, primary and secondary students, emergency services and health workers, children’s party entertainers and ministers of religion.

Individuals will be able to apply for the Working with Children Check rather than an employer or volunteer organisation applying on their behalf, as happens now.

“This allows people looking to enter child-related work industries to be work ready,” Ms Lensink said.

There will be a 12-month transition period. People who hold a valid child-related clearance from the Human Services Department or Teachers Registration Board on July 1 will be covered until that clearance expires, at which time they will be checked under the new scheme.

“The Liberal Government recognises that implementing such a big change requires some flexibility,” Ms Lensink said. “For most people … no immediate action will be required.”

The new check will replace all current types of clearances. It will be valid for five years, up from three, and will be transferable between jobs. It will cost the same as the existing process – $107.80 or $59.40 for students.

The changes were recommended as part of the Nyland royal commission into the state’s child protection system in 2016.

That inquiry was prompted by the arrest of former government carer Shannon McCoole on child sex charges. He had passed background screening procedures, which have since been strengthened.

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