The WWC Check is a child safety strategy which provides ongoing screening of people who engage in child-related work, including teachers, child health nurses, child care educators, foster carers, youth workers and more.
Self-employed people undertaking child-related work, such as a babysitter, tutor, children’s party entertainer or driving instructor, also require a valid WWC Card.
If you are looking to engage the work of a self-employed individual we encourage you to ask to see the WWC Card and validate the details online.
Have you checked?
To help promote this message across the community, the “Have you checked?” campaign has been developed. The awareness campaign highlights the importance of any self-employed individual offering child-related work to have a current WWC Card. We want to empower parents to feel confident to ask to see the WWC Card and validate their details online.
From 26 May 2025, the latest campaign will run across social media platforms. To find out more about the campaign and download the assets visit the “Have you checked?” campaign page.
Upcoming sessions
The WWC Screening Unit hold annual online information sessions for parents and guardians. These sessions aim to provide parents and guardians with background information on the WWC Check, and things to consider when engaging people in child-related work.
The next online session will be held on Wednesday, 11 June at 12:30pm. You can register via our Eventbrite page.
The WWC Check is only one of many child-safe strategies. There is more information on the Child Safe Organisations Knowledge Hub about other ways that you can help keep your kids safe.
Parent and guardians - Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone who’s applied for a WWC Card still work with my child?
Show moreIf the person does not have a WWC Card, but has applied for one, they can use their receipt to prove that they have a pending application. Most people are permitted to work with children if they have lodged an application, even though they may not have been issued with a WWC Card.
However, a person cannot work with a pending application if they have a conviction or pending charge for a Class 1 offence or have been issued with an Interim Negative Notice or Negative Notice. You can check the status of their application on the WWC website.
Does a self-employed individual have to show me their WWC Card?
Show moreThere is no legal obligation for a self-employed individual to show you their WWC Card, however it is strongly recommended that you ask to see and verify that the person has a valid Card.
If the individual is unable or unwilling to produce their WWC Card, then you should consider whether you want to use their services, or seek another provider who does have a WWC Card.
Must an individual, who is employed / engaged by an organisation, show me their WWC Card?
Show moreNo, if you found an individual through an organisation, i.e. a babysitter through a babysitting company, this person does not need to show you their WWC Card.
The obligation is on the organisation to ensure that any employee that is engaged in child-related work has a current and valid WWC Card.
Whilst there is no legal requirement for an organisation to release this information, you are still able to ask them to confirm that the person has a current WWC Card.
What do I do if they refuse to show me their WWC Card, or their employer will not confirm that they have one?
Show moreShould you have any concerns that a person may be undertaking child-related work without a WWC Card, contact us, the WWC Screening Unit at checkquery@communities.wa.gov.au, with their name, contact details and organisation details (if applicable) and we will follow this up.
If you have any concerns about the individual’s suitability, accreditation or conduct or that of the organisation, you should consider not using their services and seek another provider who does have a WWC Card.
My neighbour has offered to babysit my child as a favour – do they need a WWC Card?
Show moreNo, this would be considered a private informal arrangement and a WWC Card is not required in this scenario.
However, if this becomes a formal arrangement, then your neighbour would need a WWC Card. An example of a formal arrangement might include a person advertising their services.
What is the parent volunteer exemption?
Show moreIn some circumstances parents may be exempt from applying for a WWC Check, this is called a parent volunteer exemption. Refer to Factsheet CRW03: Exemptions, The parent volunteer exemption (PDF, 509KB) for more information.
Please note, a person with a current Interim Negative Notice or Negative Notice is unable to access certain exemptions, including the parent volunteer exemption. For further information refer to Factsheet CRW04: Exemptions, Narrowing of access (PDF, 379KB).
When might I be considered an employer and what are my obligations?
Show moreIf you employ someone directly, to work with your children, for example a nanny or an au pair and that person is not self-employed or working for an agency or other organisation, then you are the employer.
As an employer of someone in child-related work in Western Australia there are certain obligations you have under the Working with Children (Screening) Act 2004. Most importantly, you must remove the person from child-related work immediately if they are issued with an Interim Negative Notice or Negative Notice. For further information please visit WWC Check - Obligations and compliance.
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