All children and vulnerable or at-risk adults who interact with University members on ACU sites or within the wider community have a right to feel and be safe. ACU is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and vulnerable or at-risk adults who interact with University members.

Back to Protecting Children and Vulnerable or At-Risk Adults

The University has responsibilities under such legislation including to ensure that Working with Children or Vulnerable People Checks (WWC/V Checks) are conducted before staff, students and other members of the University engage in certain activities which involve children, vulnerable or at-risk adults.

A child is a person under the age of 18.

A vulnerable adult is a person who is experiencing disadvantage who accesses a regulated activity or service related to the disadvantage. A disadvantaged adult includes an adult with a physical or mental disability; an adult who suffers social or financial hardship; and adult who cannot communicate or who has difficulty communicating in English.

An adult at-risk is a person aged 18 years and over who:

1. has care and support needs;
2. is being abused or neglected, or are at risk of abuse or neglect; and
3. is unable to protect themselves from abuse or neglect because of their care and support needs.

What is a Working with Children or Vulnerable People Check?

A WWC/V Check refers to the following in the states or territories of Australia:

Correct as at October 2022

Do academics teaching students under 18 years of age need to get a WWC/V Check?

In most cases they do not need a WWC/V Check. Under the relevant legislation applicable to the jurisdictions in which ACU operates, the core work of universities is not generally considered to be related to children, vulnerable or at-risk adults even though their populations include students under 18 years as well as vulnerable or at-risk adults (South Australia is an exception). Therefore, if you are an academic engaged to undertake teaching activities that require regular direct contact with, for example, a group of students, some of which are 17 year old students, you will not require a WWC/V check, unless you are in South Australia.

The next section identifies some activities conducted by academic and professional staff, students or others on ACU sites and/or at other locations which, under some jurisdictions, may be considered to be related to children or vulnerable at-risk adults and therefore a WWC/V Check is required.

What types of ACU roles or activities require WWC/V Checks?

As previously stated, the requirements of each jurisdiction are different and so it is not possible to provide a clear and comprehensive list of roles or activities for which WWC/V Checks are required. A WWC/V Check may be required under circumstances which include but are not limited to the following:

• there is significant regular direct contact with current or prospective ACU students under 18 years of age, vulnerable or at-risk adults. The former may involve counselling or residential services. The latter may involve visits to schools, expos and careers fairs, etc.
• involvement in ACU programs for school aged students including for example the Uni Step Up Program, Equity Pathways Programs, HSC study programs and homework outreach programs.
• for students, participation in or, for staff, supervision of students engaged in:
  o professional practice placements within education institutions (e.g. schools, kindergartens and early childhood centres) or organisations providing health and support services to children or vulnerable adults; or
  o clinical practice in ACU Health Clinics or other clinical partner organisations.
• participation as community volunteers in organisations providing services to children, vulnerable or at-risk adults.
• involvement in projects or research involving children (including ACU students under 18) or conducted in settings in which services are provided to children, vulnerable or at-risk adults.
• participation in pilgrimages, excursions, field trips, etc which involve children, vulnerable or at-risk adults.
• in South Australia, any activities which involve direct contact with children or records relating to children (including students under 18 years of age).

What action should I take if I think a WWC/V Check is required?

If after reading the section above, What types of ACU roles or activities require WWC/V Checks?, you think that you, or someone you supervise or are responsible for, are engaged in such activities:

• review the Safeguarding Children, Young People and Adults at Risk Procedure including Appendix I: Screening Requirements for University Members
• consult the website for the relevant state or territory government agency (see above) to determine whether a WWC/V Check is required.
• If a WWC/V Check is required:
• an application should be made in accordance with the instructions on the website for the agency in the relevant state and/or territory.
• if you already have a WWC/V Check, ensure it applies in the state and/or territory in which the activities with children will be conducted.
• ensure the WWC/V Check is appropriate to the nature of the work. For example, an employee must have a paid employee / worker WWC/V Check (not a student, volunteer or unpaid worker Check).
• For a staff member, provide a copy of your WWC/V Check clearance (which may be in the form of a card or a letter) to Service Central.

If you require assistance or further information regarding WWC/V checks please contact Service Central in the first instance.