Police Checks for Youth Program Staff - Perth WA

Education Western Australia 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

In Perth, Western Australia, organisations that engage staff or volunteers for youth programs must understand police checks and working-with-children screening requirements that apply locally and at state level. This guide explains the commonly required checks, who enforces compliance, how to apply, and practical steps for program managers and staff in Perth, Western Australia. It draws on official WA Police and State government guidance and on City of Perth information for volunteer and community program providers.

Which checks are commonly required

Employers and volunteer coordinators typically request one or more of the following for roles with care or unsupervised access to children: a National Police Certificate (police check) and a Working with Children Check (WWC Check). The exact requirement depends on the program, funding or licensing conditions and the screening rules of the hiring organisation. For official application pages, see the WA Police National Police Certificate page and the WA Government Working with Children Check page. [1] [2]

Who decides and enforces screening requirements

  • State screening: the Department of Communities (WA) administers the Working with Children Check and enforces child-related screening where applicable.[2]
  • Police checks: WA Police Force issues National Police Certificates and provides related verification guidance.[1]
  • Local enforcement/advice: the City of Perth’s volunteer and community program pages describe local expectations for volunteer screening and contacts for compliance queries.[3]
Obtain the specific screening requirement in writing from your employer or the program funder before starting work with children.

Penalties & Enforcement

Compliance and enforcement vary by the controlling instrument. For working-with-children obligations, enforcement and any sanctions are governed by the Working with Children legislation and the Department of Communities screening processes. For police certificate requirements imposed by an employer or licence condition, failure to hold or produce required checks may lead to administrative or contractual consequences enforced by the organisation or by licensing bodies.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page for City of Perth; specific monetary penalties for contravening Working with Children requirements are not specified on the cited Department of Communities summary page cited here.[2]
  • Escalation: first/repeat or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited pages and must be checked in the governing Act or detailed regulations cited by the screening authority.[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders, suspension of registration, or prohibition from child-related work may apply under state screening laws; specific measures should be confirmed with the Department of Communities.[2]
  • Enforcer and complaints: Department of Communities screening unit and WA Police Force provide complaint and contact pathways for breaches or queries. Use the official contact pages linked earlier to report concerns.[2]
  • Appeals and review: statutory appeal or review routes for screening decisions are governed by the screening legislation and administrative review mechanisms; specific time limits are not specified on the general guidance pages and should be checked on the screening decision notice or the relevant Act.[2]
  • Defences and discretion: decision-makers may consider declarations, existing clearances or exemptions in line with statutory rules; procedural discretions are set out in the screening scheme rather than on local council pages.[2]

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Working without required WWC clearance — outcome: action by the screening authority or employer (details: not specified on the cited page).[2]
  • Failure to produce a current police check when requested — outcome: employer may suspend duties or refuse engagement (penalties not specified on the cited page).[1]
  • Providing false identity information on an application — outcome: potential administrative or criminal action (specifics not specified on the cited pages).

Applications & Forms

  • National Police Certificate application (WA Police Force) — name: "Police Certificate" or "National Police Certificate"; purpose: state police certificate for employment; application method: online or via nominated channels on the WA Police page; fee: not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Working with Children Check (Department of Communities) — name: "Working with Children Check"; purpose: screening for child-related work; application method: see the Department of Communities online guidance; fee and supporting documents: not specified on the cited summary page.[2]
  • Local forms: the City of Perth provides guidance for volunteer screening and how to submit verification to the council or program coordinators; specific local form names are not specified on the cited City page.[3]
Keep digital copies of certificates and note expiry/renewal dates.

How to prepare your organisation

Organisations should document which checks they require, verify identification procedures, and keep a secure record of clearances. Make screening a standard part of recruitment and induction for roles with children and communicate renewal expectations to staff and volunteers.

FAQ

Do all youth program staff in Perth need a police check?
No single rule covers every program; many employers require a National Police Certificate and a Working with Children Check where staff have unsupervised contact with children. Confirm requirements with the hiring organisation and the Department of Communities.[2]
Where do I apply for a police check in Western Australia?
Apply for a National Police Certificate through WA Police Force using the Police Certificates page and follow the identity and submission instructions there.[1]
Who enforces screening rules and how do I report concerns?
The Department of Communities administers the WWC Check scheme and WA Police administers police certificates; City of Perth provides local volunteer guidance and contacts for program providers. Report breaches using the official contact pages for the relevant agency.[2]

How-To

  1. Confirm the screening requirements in writing from the employer or program funder.
  2. Gather identification documents required for WA Police and WWC applications.
  3. Submit a National Police Certificate application via the WA Police Police Certificates page.[1]
  4. Apply for or renew a Working with Children Check through the Department of Communities guidance page.[2]
  5. Provide copies to your employer and retain secure records of expiry dates.
  6. Follow employer instructions for rechecks and report any adverse notices to the screening authority.

Key Takeaways

  • Police checks and WWC screening are commonly required for youth program staff in Perth; confirm requirements with your employer.
  • Apply via official WA Police and Department of Communities channels and keep copies of clearances.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] WA Police Force - Police Certificates
  2. [2] Department of Communities (WA) - Working with Children Check
  3. [3] City of Perth - Volunteers and community programs

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