Everyone working / volunteering with children and those in a role of responsibility (Appointed Leaders) with the Uniting Church must have a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC).
A WWCC is valid for five years and is portable across roles and organisations throughout South Australia. For those who have a WWCC with another organisation, the Uniting Church is now able to recognise it.
We still may require additional checks dependent on your role (see information sheets and the Duty of Care Policy).
All current, valid DHS/DCSI child-related employment screening clearances will be recognised as WWCCs under the law, until they expire.
The Child Safe (Prohibited Persons) Act 2016 of South Australia (Part 3: 6(b)) defines “Child related work” as: services or activities provided by a religious organisation.
The South Australian Regulations 7:(7)(2) define ‘child related work’ as services or activities provided by a religious organisation where a person would have or could be expected to have contact with a child. ‘Contact’ means: “has close physical proximity or communications with the child (orally, written, electronic, etc).” (Regs 7:(7)(6))
While the WWCC is primarily focused on screening for risks for those in contact with children, the Uniting Church by its very nature has contact with those who are aged and vulnerable. Designated roles within Church Council and the life of the church will also require additional checks. See the Duty of Care Policy and information sheets for more details.
N.B. Minimum age for a screening to be conducted is 14 plus years