Changes to the Working with Children (WWC) Check application process
From Monday 19 October 2026, anyone applying for a WWC Clearance must complete the new mandatory WWC Child Safety Training as part of their application.
Applicants must provide evidence they have completed the training before the Social Services Regulator (SSR) can process their application.
Find out more about mandatory Working with Children Child Safety Training
If you have already started an application
If you start an online application but don't complete it before Monday 19 October 2026, including verifying your identity, your application may be deleted. You will then need to start a new application and complete the mandatory child safety training.
Mail-in applications received by the SSR on or after Friday 16 October 2026 can be accepted without evidence of completed child safety training. If your mail-in application is received on or after Monday 19 October 2026, without evidence of completed training, you will be contacted about what you need to do to complete the training and finalise your application.
The Working with Children Check is a screening process for assessing or re-assessing people who work with or care for children in Victoria.
A person who passes the WWC Check is given a WWC Clearance (this is sometimes referred to as a ‘valid’ Working with Children Check).
To help protect children from harm, when a person submits an application for a WWC Clearance, the SSR considers:
- an applicant’s criminal history
- certain court orders
- relevant findings made by certain professional disciplinary bodies
- other information relevant to child safety, including allegations of abuse and misconduct towards children.
Digital Working with Children Check
The digital Clearance is stored in the Service Victoria app.
You can see if someone’s Clearance is current or expired by using the Service Victoria app to scan the QR code on the digital Check.
Go to Service Victoria for more information on digital Checks.
About the Working with Children Check
You’ll find helpful information about the Working with Children Check here, including changes to legislation, resources, who needs a Check, and more.
Do I need a Working with Children Check?
If you meet all 5 criteria, then you qualify for a Working with Children Check.
How to apply for a Working with Children Check
Do you want to apply for a Working with Children Check in Victoria? Find out what you need to know about the application process.
Organisations and the Working with Children Check
Find resources to help explain the Check to workers, what you need to do with a new worker and more.
Current Working with Children Check holders
If you are a current Working with Children (WWC) Clearance holder, find information about how to renew or replace your card, update your details, and more.
Contact Working with Children Check Victoria
We’re here to help. For specific concerns, contact us by phone, mail or send us a message online.
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