Child Safety and Volunteering

Child safety

Parks Victoria is committed to child safety and follows Victoria’s Child Safe Standards, read Parks Victoria's statement of commitment to child safety.

Police checks

In some situations, an additional criminal history check may be needed. These checks are only requested when they relate to the core role, such as:

Handling money or accounts
Driving Parks Victoria vehicles
Working alone or with minimal supervision in bushland
Access to confidential information or equipment

Checks are managed through the Parks Victoria volunteer screening system and are returned directly to the volunteer. Costs, renewal periods and current requirements are outlined on the volunteer screening information page.

Working with Children Checks

Only volunteers who are required to hold a Working with Children Check under Victorian law need to apply for one.

All group leaders are encouraged to obtain a Working with Children Check as a part of taking reasonable steps maximise child safety and support a culture of safety. Group Leaders can choose how checks are managed within their group, in line with legislation, ensuring appropriate records are kept and managed.

ParkConnect is available if your group would like to record and manage checks there.

Learn how to apply for a Working with Children Check on the Services Victoria Working with Children Check page. If you are unsure on who may require one, Service Victoria can provide specific advice

If you have a concern about a child’s safety, report it using the Victoria child safety reporting process. If Parks Victoria receives official notice of a child safety risk, Rangers will manage this sensitively and take any required action. Group Leaders may be asked to support this process where appropriate.

Working with Children Check FAQ

Parks Victoria has updated its volunteer Working with Children Check (WWCC) requirements to align with the Worker Screening Act 2020. This change provides clearer guidance on who is legally required to hold a WWCC, while reducing unnecessary barriers to volunteering and maintaining a strong focus on child safety.

The following frequently asked questions explain what has changed and help volunteers and groups understand whether a WWCC is required for their activities.

Further information about Working with Children Checks and whether you or your group requires one is available from Services Victoria Working with Children Check Contact Working with Children Check Victoria | vic.gov.au

Why is Parks Victoria changing the WWCC requirement? 

Parks Victoria is aligning its volunteer working with children check requirements with the Worker Screening Act 2020. This change provides clearer guidance on who is legally required to hold a Working with Children Check (WWCC). This update ensures child safety remains a priority for volunteers who work closely with children, while also removing unnecessary administrative barriers for future volunteers that do not require the check.
Are you reducing your focus on child safety? 
No. Child safety remains a core priority for Parks Victoria.

This approach strengthens shared responsibility for child safety by:

Focusing WWCCs on roles where they are required by law or risk

Increasing awareness of child safety responsibilities

Maintaining oversight of higher‑risk volunteer activities

Volunteers whose roles involve regular or direct contact with children will still be required to hold a WWCC.
How is child safety being managed without universal WWCCs? 
WWCCs are one part of a broader child safety framework. Child safety is managed through multiple, complementary measures aligned with Parks Victoria’s legal obligations and Child Safety Policy, including:

Legislative alignment with the Worker Screening Act.

Training and guidance to support safe volunteering.

Continued oversight of higher‑risk programs and activities.

Working with Children Checks (WWCC) will only be required where the law applies. Parks Victoria no longer requires third parties to submit a WWCC. Instead, we ask that groups/bodies declare their adherence to the Worker Screening Act 2020 when submitting your activities. This aligns with State legislation and helps focus safeguards where they’re most needed.
Who still needs a WWCC?
A WWCC is still required for:

Anyone required to hold one under the Worker Screening Act 2020

Volunteers involved in specified higher‑risk Parks Victoria programs

Roles where direct and ongoing contact with children is a normal part of the duties
Can groups still use ParkConnect for WWCC compliance? 

Yes. ParkConnect remains available to support WWCC compliance tracking for groups and volunteers who choose to use it.
What about VIT cards?

VIT cards do not need to be uploaded to ParkConnect unless your group requests it. Holding a valid VIT registration is considered an equivalent check under the legislation.
What is the Worker Screening Act 2020?
The Worker Screening Act 2020 (Vic) is a Victorian law that helps keep children and vulnerable people safe. It does this by:

Setting rules for background checks (like Working with Children Checks)

Ensure appropriate screening mechanisms are in place

Clarifying responsibilities for both individuals and volunteer organisations
Who does the Worker Screening Act 2020 apply to?
The Act applies to anyone who:

Is paid or unpaid (a volunteer), and

Does certain kinds of work involving children or people with disability.
What is my responsibility as a group leader under Worker Screening Act?
Anyone who organises or runs the activity must:

Make sure required checks are in place

Not allow someone to volunteer in a role that needs a check if they don’t have one

Take action if a clearance is suspended or cancelled
Is the change placing pressure on Group Leaders?

Regardless of Parks Victoria's position, groups have a legal obligation to understand the Worker Screening Act 2020 and their responsibilities towards Child Safety Standards. If the group wishes for children to attend activities, the activity leaders will require a WWCC.
What if my group is not incorporated?
The Worker Screening Act 2020 legally applies whether the organisation is:

Incorporated or not

Large, small, informal or community run