Working with Children in Australia

Most Australian States have a “Working with children check” carried out on people that are employed, or even volunteer, to work with Children. These checks can include Police checks on criminal history etc.

QLD – Working with Children in Queensland

In Queensland, a person will need a blue card if they propose to work, in a paid or voluntary capacity, or to carry on a business, in a child-related area regulated by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Act 2000. Details at;

• www.ccypcg.qld.gov.au/employment/bluecard

NSW -Working with Children in New South Wales

In New South Wales, the “NSW Commission for Children and Young People” is responsible for the Working with Children Check, and details are at:

• www.kids.nsw.gov.au

VIC – Working with Children in Victoria

In Victoria, the Government requires a criminal check to be carried out for anyone wishing to work with children. Details at:

• www.justice.vic.gov.au

WA – Working with Children in Western Australia

In Western Australia, a Working with Children Check is compulsory for people who carry out child-related work. Details at:

• www.checkwwc.wa.gov.au

SA – Working with Children in South Australia

In South Australia, people who carry out child-related work may need to obtain a police clearance check before they commence employment. Details at:

• www.dfc.sa.gov.au
• SA Police Certificate

ACT – Working with Children in Australian Capital Territory

Currently there are no legal requirements for people working with children to undertake a police check in the Australian Capital Territory.

This could of course change at any time, but is current at May 2009.

However, some organisations may have their own policies in regard to this, before they take on people that may have contact with children.

NT – Working with Children in Northern Territory

Currently there are no legal requirements for people working with children to undertake a police check in the Northern Territory.

This could of course change at any time, but is current at May 2009.

However, some organisations may have their own policies in regard to this, before they take on people that may have contact with children.

TAS – Working with Children in Tasmania

Currently there are no legal requirements for people working with children to undertake a police check in Tasmania.

This could of course change at any time, but is current at May 2009.

However, some organisations may have their own policies in regard to this, before they take on people that may have contact with children.

Useful links

• Dial an Angel – Australia’s leader in Home and Family Care Agencies
• Care For Kids– Looking for work in the child care industry?
• Find a Babysitter Service – Babysitters needed and supplied

NVQ education equivalents in Australia

The following are listed for QLD as “Approved equivalent qualifications’

Approved Child Care Qualifications source in Word Document format

• CACHE Level 2 NVQ in Early Years Care and Education
• NVQ Child Care and Education (Work in Support of Others) Level 2
• City and Guilds Level 2 NVQ in Childrens Care, Learning and Development (100/5512/5)
• City and Guilds NVQ Level 2 Care (Q1050140)

A list of NVQ and AQF Comparisons that I have not yet been able to 100% confirm

• NVQ 1/GNVQ Foundation = AQF Certificate I
• NVQ 2/GNVQ Intermediate = AQF Certificate II
• NVQ 3/Higher National Cerificate = AQF Certificate IV
• NVQ 4/Higher National Diploma = AQF Diploma

AQF = Australian Qualifications Framework