I have just been given information on a new 'working with chldren check' that is being brought in in Victoria for anyone who either volunteers or is employed working with children. I have had to get a police check to become president of my daughter's Kinder and as of next year I would also be required to get one of these done (they are free for volunteers and $70 for paid employees). It is a good idea as it lasts 5 years and is a monitored scheme where any criminal proceeding are reported whilst you are part of the scheme. Unfortunately it does not replace the need for police checks for volunteers and until this is made more streamlined it will not help with the mountains of admin and form filling involved with helping out with kids.
The checks are being phased in over 5 years and more info is available on www.justice.vic.gov.au/workingwithchildren. It will also cover disciplinary findings from the institute of teaching to prevent someone found guilty of misconduct as a teacher just moving into a voluntary or non teaching job.
So more form filling for me <_< .
Nicky