Criminal History Clearance
STUDENTS ATTENDING A PLACEMENT IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
In previous years, the DECS Criminal History Screening Unit processed all criminal history screening clearances for UniSA students undertaking educational programs.
From the 1st January 2010, the University has negotiated a new process with the Department of Families and Communities (DFC). The process for clearance has been agreed between the University of South Australia, Department of Families and Communities and the Reference Group. Students undertaking programs at the University of South Australia which involve undertaking a professional experience placement which involves working with minors will now apply directly to the Department of Families and Communities.
The Screening & Licensing Branch, Department for Families and Communities conducts a confidential and comprehensive screening service for people working with children and vulnerable adults. This includes screening of all applicants against National Criminal History Information, sourced via CrimTrac, Child Protection Information available in South Australia and other relevant information publicly available within Australia.
The branch conducts an assessment of this information in line with national and state guidelines and standards relating to the protection of children and vulnerable adults. As such the branch will clear applicants or, if necessary, make recommendations to engaging organisations as to the suitability of the applicant to work with children or vulnerable adults as is the case. The majority of applicants will receive general clearance letters within 4-5 business days of applications being received.
Where necessary applicants will be contacted direct to verify and obtain further information about convictions and other matters which raise concern during the assessment process. The branch may also obtain information from other sources such as police and courts when necessary. All assessments are conducted in accordance with procedural fairness and natural justice principles with applicants continually engaged in the process.
All cleared applicants will be provided with a clearance letter which is accepted by a number of Government Agencies and Non Government Organisations providing services to children and vulnerable adults.
To apply for a DFC clearance:
Step 1:
Complete the DFC Application form.
The form should be completed as accurately and legibly as possible. You can complete the form electronically by downloading the word document. If using this method, all checkboxes can be checked by placing mouse pointer over the box required to be checked and single clicking left mouse button. (Repeat process to uncheck box)
Applications may be returned if incomplete or illegible. Applicants should provide their full name, date of birth and ensure all previously used names are disclosed. This will assist in correctly matching applicants with relevant information and prevent delays in further investigating potential matches with other people.
Section C of application form - All applicants are required to have their identification verified by producing original documentary evidence to the minimum standard of the "100 point check" as referred to in the Financial Transaction Reports Act 1988 (Cth).
PLEASE NOTE - Your identity must be verified before lodgement. Australia Post staff are not authorised to verify 100 point identification. Identification can be verified by a Justice of the Peace or Commissioner for taking Affidavits (Solicitor, Barrister or Proclaimed Police Officer).
Please ensure Section C is completed prior to submitting your application to any Australia Post Outlet.
Applications may be returned from the DFC if incomplete or illegible which will Applicants should provide their full name, date of birth and ensure all previously used names are disclosed. This will assist in correctly matching applicants with relevant information and prevent delays in further investigating potential matches with other people.
CAUTION AVOID IDENTITY FRAUD: This document contains highly confidential information about you so save the document only to a secure place or delete once printed. Do not leave printed/completed copies of this form unattended.
Step 2:
Go to any Australia Post Outlet with the following:
ü Completed DFC application form, including section C identity verification
ü
Fee payment
- you can pay by cash, EFTPOS or credit card
(Note:
American Express or Diners cards not accepted)
Original applications only will be processed; copies or faxed applications cannot be processed.
Australia Post will:
· check application form ensuring all sections have been fully completed
· receive payment of application fee and issue you a receipt
· forward your application to Department of Families and Communities
Department of Families and
Communities will:
· notify the School of Education when you have a current Criminal History Screening Clearance
· Send you a letter when you have a current Criminal History Screening clearance
The Department of Families and Communities will not accept any applications and payments sent directly to their organisation. All applications and payments must be made through Australia Post.
The strictest confidentiality will be maintained by DFC with information provided during their screening and clearance process.
