Ok, so I'll try to be as brief as possible.
I was in a (semi) abusive relationship with my children's father. Just before I left he had become physically abusive towards myself and my children on two occasions, hence the reason why I left.
At the time the police were called (for reasons I'd rather not go into) and during an interview with them he's admitted to hitting the kids (more than could be classed as discipline if you know what I mean). Anyway, so the police charge him but because I refused to write a statement (no need, he was already going to jail anyway), the police have told me that Docs is not happy with me and are going to take my kids! Absolutely terrified, I go straight to Docs and ask them outright if they are going to take my kids if I don't provide a statement. Well they were lovely. They assured me that that wasn't going to happen and offered me a place on their brighter futures program. I was signed off from the program about a year later. My support worker wanted to sign me off earlier but I felt I needed the support for a bit longer.
Fast forward five years and many hours of volunteering, I have gained employment at a place that requires that I have the working with children's check. I'd applied for it as a volunteer without any problems so wasn't too concerned about applying again as an employee (this one you have to pay for). The problem is, I've since discovered that I hadn't actually lodged the application at the rta which means that I was never really approved. Now I'm really worried that I won't get approved due to my history with Docs even though the issue was never about me. If I don't get approved I will lose my job and I absolutely love my job.
So my question is..Does anyone know if my previous dealings with Docs will affect my working with children check? Has anyone had personal experience of a similar nature? And if this will affect my chances, what do I do about getting the decision reviewed. Tia x
Thankyou imperfect mum :)
5 Replies
Hi
I am assuming you are in NSW? The WWCC in NSW looks at relevant national criminal records. Some records automatically make you a 'barred' person. Others may indicate a concern but because they don't automatically knock you out then your WWCC application goes through a risk assessment process before a clearance or a bar decision is made. You would be contacted about this and asked to provide further evidence of your suitability to be working with kids. From what you say here it doesn't sound like you have any serious criminal charges or convictions or other workplace history or behavioural concerns (such as those which are picked up in foster care type situations) that would stop you getting a clearance. I would just take the next step in the application process.
Thank you so much. That's really put my mind at ease. I've never been in any trouble. As I said it was never about me, and my caseworker never had any issues with me as far as I'm aware. To be honest she wasn't even concerned with seeing the kids and only really met with them on a couple of occasions. One time being to give them a Christmas present.
I've been putting it off because as I said I would have to resign instantly if I was denied. The other factor that had me worried was that my ex had recently applied for the WWCC and was denied. Although that was a given considering his past criminal history. Still had me worried though. Thanks for your help.
I can't say for sure, but I think it is to do with your criminal record and any recorded abuse towards children on your part. It doesn't sound like that has occurred so I'm thinking it will be fine. Try not to worry. You have to do it anyway so might as well get it over with. Thinking of u!
I have been in a similar situation in SA I work in Child care and had a domestic violence situation not with the father of my children had police involved etc and been on a high risk program and it has not affected my working with children clearance at all. Good luck Hun.
Just thought I would post a little catchup. I applied for my working with childrens check and was approved :)
Thankyou to everyone that answered my question xx