What is a Working with Children Check, and do I need one?
A Working with Children Check (WWCC) is a government assessment to check whether or not an individual is safe to work with children.
A WWCC is needed for all people who work or volunteer with children, however given the definition of 'child related work' in South Australia (see here for details), the Uniting Church has decided that everyone in a role of responsibility within the church (ie. all leaders and helpers aged 14+) must have a valid WWCC.
What about the previous Police Check forms?
The new WWCCs were introduced on 1 July 2019 and are stronger, more effective and more transparent than the previous Uniting Church Screening Checks ('Police Checks').
Effective 30 June 2020, the previous Uniting Church Screening Checks (ie. the previous 'Police Checks') are no longer recognised under law, even if they have not yet expired.
I already have a valid DHS/DCSI clearance... do I need to do anything?
Yes - you need to do two things:
- Inform our Safe Church Congregation Liaison (Kathy Fopp) who will make a record of the number.
- Complete this online form, entering the number of your valid clearance at Question 12/13 ('Details of your existing Working with Children Check') and continuing to see whether further Screening Checks are required. This enables the Uniting Church to register an interest in your valid DHS/DCSI clearance.
Note: If you are a teacher, please read this info sheet that has been written following numerous unsuccessful attempts by many of our teachers to organise a current WWCC through the SA UCA website.
What's the difference between the old and new checks?
There are several differences, including:
- The new checks are portable, in other words WWCCs from another organisation are now able to be recognised by the Uniting Church, ie. there is no longer a need to complete a specific Uniting Church check if you already have a valid WWCC through another organisation (eg. via the Education Department)
- The new checks are valid for 5 years (previously 3 years) and are now continuously monitored
The new checks remain free for all volunteers. For more FAQs see pp.5-6 of the Information on the Screening and Authority Process information sheet.
I think I may need a new WWCC... what do I need to do?
Make yourself a cup of tea and head over to our Screening Checks resource page for further information.
More From 'Resources'
Poem - The Cross of Christ
THE CROSS OF CHRIST
Christ’s sacrifice upon that cross
Somehow just sets us free
He died but then He rose again
For us that’s hard to see
We struggle in this earthly life
Entrapped by fears within
Not fully understanding that
Christ took away our sin
We all are called to just believe
“It was finished” on the cross
God’s grace beyond all measure
Sacrificed Christ on that cross
To somehow make a way for all
Who’d strayed since Adam’s fall
It was the perfect sacrifice
Planned especially for all
God Himself then saved His Son
He took Him back to heaven
Christ is with His Father now
Knowing man can be forgiven
The holy Spirit’s been sent down
To help us here to know
Christ will come again one day
Christ’s Father made that vow
We know there is a home for us
When Jesus comes again
He’s coming on that wondrous cloud
With a host of angels then
Creation will bow down to Him
They’ll know their sin and shame
Even those who pierced Him too
Will know He took their blame
On that Day when Christ arrives
Life will change for all mankind
Those who’ve loved the Lord of life
Will be renewed in soul and mind
From that old wooden cross
I have been set free
Christ their took all sin
From you and from me
Just believe that it’s true
What God in Christ did for you
— Graham K Byrne 2023
Life Group Studies - Lenten Series: Lamentations
Thank you to Simon for preparing this Lenten Series of Life Group Bible Studies on Lamentations. For each week there are some helpful thoughts, suggested readings and questions either for discussion in groups or for pondering on your own.
There are printed copies of each study on the Easter Resource Table at church - they are also available for download below:
- Study 1 - Lamentations intro
- Study 2 - How lonely sits the city (Lam 1)
- Study 3 - Where is bread and wine? (Lam 2)
- Study 4 - The Great Turning Point (Lam 3)
- Study 5 - How the gold has lost its lustre (Lam 4)
- Study 6 - A Prayer for Restoration (Lam 5)
2023 Bible Reading Plan
As a church we are following Tim Chester’s 3-year Bible Reading Plan, taking us through the Old Testament once and the New Testament twice. It’s in weekly chunks so there is no pressure if you happen to miss a day. It’s flexible and manageable. We've done it for the past 4 years and we're starting it again in 2023.
Developing a Bible reading habit can be challenging so we'd suggest doing it together. This way you'll not only read the Bible but also be able to share with others the insights you are gaining from the readings and be encouraged to keep going.
How to get involved:
- Life Groups: Get your Life Group involved and use the readings as the basis of your sharing each week;
- Solo: Read the set readings on your own and prayerfully journal your thoughts;
We'd love to have you join us!