An overview of how we process and assess Working with Children Check (WWCC) applications.
Process
Open allHow your application is handled from submission to outcome.
- 1 Apply or renew
Applicants complete an application or renewal form and visit Service NSW with their proof of identity documents.
- 2 Screening
We conduct a National Criminal History Check and also check our Workplace Records database to identify any findings of misconduct. Depending on what records are identified, some applications might need further assessment or information before an outcome is decided.
- 3 Outcome
If no police or workplace records are identified, the applicant is issued a WWCC clearance by our system. There is no card or certificate for the NSW Working with Children Check. It is an online system.
If some police or workplace records are identified, our team will review these records to see if further assessment or information is required.
Applicants with Schedule 1 records or other records relevant to the safety of children will be referred for risk assessment before a decision is made about their WWCC application. The outcome of risk assessment is to grant a clearance or impose a bar.
Applicants with Schedule 2 records are automatically barred.
Most applicants can apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal to appeal a barred Working with Children Check.
More information on Working with Children Check outcomes and statuses
- 4 Ongoing monitoring
In NSW, we have a very strong Check that includes continuous monitoring.
This means that if a person gets a new relevant police or workplace record, we are notified and can change the status of their Check. Some records will trigger a risk assessment, which may lead to the clearance being cancelled.
If this happens, we tell the employing organisation that a Check status has changed so they can remove that person from working with children.
Policies and procedures
Our internal policies and procedures guide how we work and carry out assessments.
