Understanding Working With Children Checks
Helping Churches Create Safe and Healthy Ministry Environments
Creating a safe environment for children and young people is one of the most important responsibilities entrusted to every church.
Working With Children Checks (WWCCs) form one part of a broader commitment to child safety. While the requirements vary between Australian states and territories, churches should ensure they understand and comply with the laws that apply in their location.
A Working With Children Check is not simply an administrative requirement—it is one of many practical steps that help churches provide safe, caring and responsible ministry environments.
What Is a Working With Children Check?
A Working With Children Check is a government screening process used throughout Australia to help determine whether a person is eligible to work or volunteer in child-related roles.
Each Australian state and territory administers its own system, meaning:
- Requirements differ between jurisdictions.
- Application processes vary.
- Renewal periods may differ.
- Mutual recognition is not always available.
Churches should always follow the requirements of their own state or territory.
Why Do Churches Need Them?
Churches have both a legal and moral responsibility to help protect children and young people.
Working With Children Checks are one important part of that responsibility.
They demonstrate a commitment to:
- Child safety.
- Responsible leadership.
- Community trust.
- Good governance.
- Legal compliance.
Most importantly, they help churches create environments where children can participate safely.
Who May Need a Working With Children Check?
Requirements vary between jurisdictions, but churches should consider whether people involved in child-related ministry require a current Working With Children Check.
Examples may include:
- Children’s ministry leaders.
- Youth leaders.
- Sunday School teachers.
- Creche volunteers.
- Holiday program leaders.
- Camp leaders.
- Chaplains.
- Paid children’s ministry staff.
- Some administrative or support roles where required by law.
Always check the legislation that applies in your state or territory.
A Working With Children Check Is Not Enough
A Working With Children Check is only one part of effective safeguarding.
Healthy churches should also have:
- Child Safe policies.
- Appropriate supervision.
- Volunteer screening.
- Reference checks.
- Safe recruitment practices.
- Clear reporting procedures.
- Ongoing child safety training.
- Appropriate codes of conduct.
No single document can replace a healthy safeguarding culture.
Recruiting Volunteers and Staff Safely
When recruiting anyone who may work with children:
Consider:
✔ Position descriptions
✔ Application forms
✔ Interviews
✔ Reference checks
✔ Working With Children Checks (where required)
✔ Child Safe training
✔ Ongoing supervision
Recruitment should always be consistent and transparent.
Record Keeping Matters
Churches should maintain appropriate records of:
- Current Working With Children Check details (where permitted by law).
- Expiry or renewal dates if applicable.
- Training completed.
- Policies acknowledged.
- Volunteer agreements.
Good administration supports safe ministry.
Common Mistakes Churches Make
Avoid these common errors:
❌ Assuming long-term members do not require screening.
❌ Forgetting to renew checks where required.
❌ Relying solely on a Working With Children Check.
❌ Having no written child safety policies.
❌ Failing to train volunteers.
❌ Poor record keeping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every church volunteer need a Working With Children Check?
Not necessarily. Requirements differ between Australian states and territories and depend on the nature of the role. Churches should always follow the legislation that applies in their jurisdiction.
Do paid church staff need a Working With Children Check?
Many child-related paid positions require one, but the requirements vary across Australia. Churches should verify the legal requirements for each role.
Is a Working With Children Check the same in every state?
No. Each Australian state and territory administers its own Working With Children Check (or equivalent) system with different eligibility requirements, processes and renewal arrangements.
Does a Working With Children Check guarantee child safety?
No. It is an important safeguard but should form part of a broader child-safe framework that includes policies, training, supervision and appropriate recruitment practices.
Best Practice Checklist
Before anyone begins working with children, consider whether your church has:
✔ Current child safety policies.
✔ Appropriate Working With Children Checks where legally required.
✔ Position descriptions.
✔ Reference checks.
✔ Volunteer agreements.
✔ Child Safe training.
✔ Appropriate supervision.
✔ Reporting procedures.
✔ Ongoing review of safeguarding practices.
Final Thoughts
Protecting children is a shared responsibility. While Working With Children Checks are an important part of that responsibility, they are most effective when combined with sound recruitment practices, clear policies, ongoing training and a culture that values the safety and wellbeing of every child.
Churches have the privilege of caring for children and young people. By taking safeguarding seriously, they help create environments where families can participate with confidence and trust.
Recruiting Staff or Volunteers?
Whether you’re appointing a children’s ministry leader, youth pastor, chaplain or volunteer coordinator, careful recruitment is an important part of building a safe and healthy ministry.
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Photo by Erika Giraud on Unsplash
