If you would like to volunteer with a school, a sports club, a youth group or a tutoring program, you will probably be asked for a Working with Children Check. This guide explains what that is, in general terms, so the process feels less daunting.

Rules differ between states and territories and change from time to time. Always follow the instructions of the screening agency where you will be volunteering.

What it is

A Working with Children Check is a screening process run by the government of each state and territory. It looks at relevant records, such as criminal history and certain professional conduct findings, to decide whether a person can work or volunteer in roles involving children.

It is not a general police check, although some organisations ask for both.

Each state and territory runs its own

There is no single national check. Each state and territory has its own scheme, its own screening agency and sometimes its own name for the check. In Queensland, for example, it is known as a blue card, and in the Northern Territory as an Ochre Card. The ACT and Tasmania register people to work with vulnerable people more broadly.

This matters in two ways:

  • You apply in the state or territory where you will be volunteering.
  • A check from one state is generally not accepted in another. If you move, check what the new state requires.

Who needs one

Generally, people whose volunteering involves direct contact with children need a check. Some roles and situations are exempt, and the exemptions differ by state. The organisation you are volunteering with should tell you whether its role requires a check. If you are unsure, ask them, or look at the screening agency's website.

How the process usually works

  1. Apply online with the screening agency in your state or territory.
  2. Prove your identity, which in some states means visiting a service centre with your documents.
  3. Give your organisation the details they need to verify your check, such as your check number.
  4. Wait for the outcome. Some checks are cleared quickly and others take longer. You may not be able to start the role until it is cleared.

In several places, volunteer applications are free or have a reduced fee. Check the current position with your screening agency.

Things worth knowing

  • Keep your check number somewhere safe. Organisations need it to verify you.
  • Checks expire. Note the expiry date and renew in time.
  • Update your details if you change your name or address.
  • If English is not your first language, ask the organisation or a friend to sit with you while you complete the form. The questions are straightforward, but they need to be answered accurately.

How we help

When we introduce you to a volunteering role, we tell you upfront whether it needs a check, point you to the right screening agency, and stay in touch while you get it. Finding the right role is the hard part. The check is just a step on the way.