Working with Children Check
What is it?
What do I need?
How long will it take?
You are legally required to obtain a Victorian Working with Children Check (WWCC) and ensure it remains valid for the entire duration of your studies. Depending on your individual circumstances and the number of identiļ¬cation points you require, this process could take anywhere between three to twelve weeks, or possibly even longer to complete.
Requirements
If you do not already have a WWCC card, you will need to apply for WWCC clearance.
If you already have a volunteer or employee WWCC card then you can use it for this check.
You should log onto your Services Victoria account or use the Update Details page and add the MDHS Student Hub mailing address to your card's Organisation details:
Organisation Name: MDHS Student Hub
Address: L2 161 Barry St Carlton Victoria 3053
Phone: 03 8344 5807
Email: mdhs-placements@unimelb.edu.au
This email is not monitored. For any enquiry Contact MDHS Student Hub
If you’re adding the MDHS Student Hub address on the Services Victoria app or webpage, do not use commas. Simply enter the text using spaces, and the system will do the rest.
Entering these details will satisfy your legal obligations and replaces the need for you to list every placement provider individually (unless you are specifically instructed otherwise by one of your placement hosts).
Further instructions on how to update your organisation details in Service Victoria can be located here.
Evidence
To clear this check, two pieces of evidence are required:
- A screenshot of your WWCC card/Digital Card/Assessment notification email.
- A single screenshot or PDF print of your Services Victoria account clearly showing the MDHS Student Hub has been added to your card's organisation details.
- You must provide a single image showing your name, WWCC number and the MDHS Student Hub's exact mailing address. Multiple screenshots or images that are missing any details will not be accepted.
Examples of acceptable evidence
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Evidence 1: Working With Children Card
Mailed out by Service Victoria. You can take a photo or a scan.
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Evidence 1: WWCC Digital Card
Accessible through the Service Victoria app. Take a screenshot or upload the file.
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Evidence 1: Assessment notification email
Sent by Service Victoria via email. It must include your card number, not your application number.
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Evidence 2: Service Victoria organisational details screenshot
Found in your Service Victoria account or via the Update Details page.
You must include the Your Details section and the Organisation Details sections in your screenshot, and it must be a single screenshot. It may help to close the Contact Details section.
Instructions on screenshotting a page can be found for Windows or Apple devices.
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Evidence 2: Service Victoria organisational details PDF
When you update the Organisation Details in your Service Victoria account or via the Update Details page, print the page as a PDF. Check your PDF to make sure both your card number and name and the organisation details are visible before uploading it to Sonia.
Instructions to print a page as a PDF are available for desktop and mobile.
Interstate Checks
Interstate placement providers may also require you to apply for an equivalent clearance from that state or territory.
| State | Name of Check | Site Link | Form Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT | Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) | Access Canberra | act.gov.au |
| NSW | Working with Children Check | Service NSW | wwccheck.org.nsw |
| NT | Working with Children Clearance/Ochre Card | nt.gov.au | forms.nt.gov.au |
| QLD | Blue Card Check/Working with Children Check | qld.gov.au | bluecard.qld.gov.au |
| SA | DCSI Screening/Working with Children Check | sa.gov.au | dcsiscreening.sa.gov.au |
| Tasmania | Registration to Work with Vulnerable People (RWVP)/Working with Children Registration | tas.gov.au | justice.tas.gov.au |
| WA | Working with Children Check | wa.gov.au | wa.gov.au |
More details
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I'm an international student
If you are unable to provide the required documents to verify your identity online, you will need to wait until you are in the country to verify your identity in person. This can be done at an Australia Post outlet. More details can be found on the Victorian Government website.
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I have an interstate/NZ WWCC
If you have a placement that will be less than 30 days, please contact the MDHS Student Hub to confirm if you will also require a Victorian WWCC. Each state has different screening processes and requirements so do not assume your interstate or NZ card will be sufficient.
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I believe I'm exempt from needing a WWCC
There are not many situations that you could be exempt from obtaining a WWCC for placement. If you feel this is the case, you should contact the MDHS Student Hub to confirm.
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I have a volunteer WWCC but am applying for an employee WWCC
If you change from a volunteer check to an employee check (or vice versa), you are obligated to notify the MDHS Student Hub of this change so we can update your records. You will have to contact us so we can unlock your check to enable you to upload this to Sonia.
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I have received an Interim WWC exclusion or a WWC exclusion.
If you receive an interim WWC Exclusion or WWC Exclusion notice, you MUST contact the MDHS Student Hub immediately. Exclusions can affect placement attendance as per Victorian Government rules and regulations.
Students who receive interim WWC exclusions may be able to continue in child-related work (e.g. placements) while awaiting final outcomes on their interim WWC exclusions. However, this is subject to placement provider approval.
Students who receive WWC Exclusions CANNOT engage in child-related work as of the date stated in the notice. Your school will contact you to review your options.
Ready to submit your documents? Go to Sonia.
Still have questions? Contact the MDHS Student Hub.