Changes to the Working with Children Check

Victoria has strengthened the Working with Children (WWC) Check to help keep children safe. These changes improve the way child safety risks are identified and assessed.

The Social Services Regulator (SSR) now has stronger powers. Earlier action can be taken if there are concerns about a person's suitability to work or volunteer with children.

The SSR and regulators, including the VRQA, can receive and share more information with other screening schemes and government agencies to support child safety. These include:

• Victoria Police
• the Reportable Conduct Scheme
• the Worker and Carer Exclusion Scheme
• the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT)
• the Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority (VECRA).

The SSR has replaced the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) appeals process with an internal review process.

The changes commenced on 28 July 2026. They are part of a of reforms to Victoria’s child safeguarding system. They follow recommendations from the Rapid Child Safety Review.

How WWC Checks are assessed

Information relevant to child safety when assessing a person’s suitability for a WWC Clearance can include:

• police intelligence
• allegations of reportable conduct, including unsubstantiated allegations that may identify a pattern of behaviour
• outcomes of police or regulator investigations, even if they do not result in criminal charges or formal regulatory action
• information from other states and territories.

Find out more about the:

• Changes to WWC Check
• WWC Check internal review process
• Reportable Conduct Scheme