As you may be aware the Victorian Government has a checking system, Working with Children Check. This requires ALL adults who work or volunteer with children (under 18 years of age), to have this check. It is now a legal requirement that you have applied for this card before you can volunteer to work or help out in our school.

The check is required by anyone doing certain types of child-related work including volunteer work and some practical training to pass a Working with Children Check.

The Working with Children Check is free for volunteers.

St. Joseph’s School is required to have Working with Children Checks completed for volunteers working within our school environment (example classroom and canteen helpers) during school hours or after hours’ school activities, for example school camps, swimming lessons, football and basketball.

• If you currently hold a Working with Children Check please bring your card into the School Office so details can be recorded.
• If you are a teacher and not employed at St. Joseph’s School, but doing, or will be doing, volunteer work at school please bring in your VIT card so details can be recorded. 
• If you do not have a Working with Children Check card, you will need to apply for one please.

 To apply for a Check, you must:

• Fill in the application form and verify your identity online.
• Check your inbox for an email from workingwithchildren@smarteform.com.au with instructions on how to finalise your application at Australia Post.
• You will be required to do a 100-point check.
• Within a few weeks you will receive your Working with Children Check card which you will also need to bring into the School Office for a copy to be taken. Volunteer work will not be able to commence until the application has been approved by the Department of Justice of Victoria.
• The Working with Children Check Unit is part of the Department of Justice in Victoria.

If you have any queries please contact the school office.