Police Checks - Frequently Asked Questions
- Details
- Published: 17 May 2017
When do I need a Police Check for people visiting or staying in my home?
The CISS team often get calls relating to Police Checks and is frequently asked who is required to undertake this and when, particularly if there are regular visitors to the home or a more permanent change in the composition of the household. Some commonly asked questions are:
What exactly is a police check?
A national police history check is a check of disclosable offences by the person in all Australian states and territories.
Who requires a police check?
- a volunteer foster carer must undergo a national police history check prior to being approved to care and a new national police history check must be undertaken not less than once during each period of three years.
- usual members of the household in home-based settings (including spouses/partners, children aged 18 and older and persons who regularly stay overnight) must undergo a national police history check prior to any child being placed and a new national police history check must be undertaken not less than once during each period of three years.
- a foster carer applying for accreditation with another organisation requires a new national police history check. This requirement also applies to the usual members of the household in home-based settings.
Do I need a Police Check if an adult (over 18 years of age) stays as a ‘one off’ in my home?
A Police check is generally not required for a one-off stay. The carer is generally in the best position to determine suitability of the adult staying as a ‘one-off’ in their home and the impact on the safety and wellbeing on the child in their care. However, carers should still let their agency know that this one off stay has occurred as soon as possible.
Some questions carers may wish to consider in guiding their decision:
What is the purpose of the visit?
What are the child’s wishes?
What is the age, level of understanding and the vulnerability of the child or young person
concerned?
Does the child or young person know this person well? Have they spent time at the
home/with the family?
What are the sleeping arrangements and are they appropriate?
Are there any reasonable grounds for concern that the child or young person may be at
risk of harm?
Are there any other reasons that would make the stay difficult for the child or young person?
What checks are required if an adult (any person over 18 years of age) stays over regularly at my home?
All adult members of a carer household must undergo a national criminal history check prior to any child being placed in that household. This includes all members of the household who are over 18 years of age, and all persons aged 18 years and older who regularly stay overnight.
What if an adult plans to move in permanently?
Carers should advise their agency prior to any new adult taking up residence in their home. Approval should be obtained and ideally a police check completed before the move occurs.
CSOs should advise foster carers of this expectation as part of the accreditation process.
In circumstances where the carer household composition unexpectedly changes, without prior knowledge and approval, carers should advise their agency as soon as practicable. A national police history check must be undertaken by the CSO at the earliest opportunity, and an assessment completed of the impact of this change in the household on any child in the placement.
More information relating to Police Checks can be viewed at: http://www.cpmanual.vic.gov.au/policies-and-procedures/criminal-history-checks.
Useful information for carers, regarding children and stays away from the carer household (overnight or longer) can be also viewed at: http://www.cpmanual.vic.gov.au/policies-and-procedures/out-home-care/overnight-stays
