Changes to the Working with Children Check

17 August 2026
Adult and children
The Social Services Regulator (SSR) is implementing the latest stage of reforms in response to the Rapid Child Safety Review.

Changes, effective from 28 July 2026, allow the Working with Children Check to identify and respond to child safety risks earlier and share information between schemes, other regulators and organisations.

The SSR can now consider a broader range of information and stop people from working with children where information indicates children may be at immediate risk. This includes information that may be unsubstantiated, allegations, intelligence and other information, that could, when considered together, help identify a concerning pattern of behaviour.

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) appeals process has been replaced with a new internal review process, supported by an independent expert advisory panel.

For more information, visit:
•    Changes to the Working with Children Check
•    Rapid Child Safety Review
•    Social Services Regulator