To promote safe learning environments and ensure that instructors uphold the values of Mental Health First Aid International, all Licensed Instructors must possess a valid Working With Children's/Vulnerable People's check (WWCC/WWVP) or an approved state alternative. This is part of their agreement to provide MHFA training. Both volunteer and employee checks are accepted.
MHFA asks for your check to be submitted during an Instructor Training Course application. The upkeep of this check is a license obligation to maintain an Instructor's program membership.
Please note: If you are licensed to deliver our Teen MHFA course, you MUST hold a valid WWCC/WWVP check in the state you are delivering the training. This would need to be in addition to the WWCC/WWVP or approved alternative you hold from your state of residence, if applicable.
Instructors must disclose to MHFAI immediately if they are being investigated by any agency for any matter that may impact on your ability to maintain your Working with Children Check, or Vulnerable People Check; or your compliance check is now invalid.
Working with Children Checks can have different names in different states. We accept either employment or volunteer Working with Children Check (or equivalent) from your state of residence. For example, both Tasmania and the ACT have a Working with Vulnerable People's check.
Please use the below links to access your state-based services:
• VIC — http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/
• NSW — https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-working-children-check
• QLD* — https://www.bluecard.qld.gov.au/
• WA* — https://workingwithchildren.wa.gov.au/
• SA — https://screening.sa.gov.au/apply
• TAS — https://wwcforms.justice.tas.gov.au/RegistrationForm.aspx
• NT — https://forms.pfes.nt.gov.au/safent/
• ACT — https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/business-and-work/working-with-vulnerable-people/apply-for-or-renew-a-wwvp-registration
*For Instructors who reside in Queensland and Western Australia, individuals may only eligible to apply for a WWCC if they are directly working with children. In these instances, if Instructors do not work directly with children, they can provide us with a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check/National Police Check instead. In the Application/Card Number section, please write “NCCHC or NPC” and the number referenced on the check.
What are the approved alternatives we accept in place of a WWCC/WWVP?
Approved alternates per state
VIC
• Victorian Institute of Teaching registration
QLD
• Queensland Register of Teachers registration
• AHPRA Health Professionals, currently registered to practice
All states and territories
A Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (previously known as a National Police Check) can be submitted. As this check is considered a ‘point in time’ compliance check, the expiry will be one year from the date of outcome.
Police/Defence staff:
Police or Staff ID numbers from your state of residence are accepted in place of WWCC/WWVP numbers. Expiry date to be set 1 year from the date of submission. A copy of their employment ID or letter of employment is to be uploaded as an image when you submit your WWCC through the Instructor Portal.
I don’t work with anyone under 18 – why do I need a WWCC/WWVP to be an instructor?
This policy was created on the back of the Royal Commission into Child Sexual Abuse. MHFAI reviewed its approach to supporting people who have experienced abuse or violence. As a result, we determined that we could and should do more to ensure that we continue to create safe learning environments for our course participants. In 2017 we implemented a policy that all staff and consultants were required to have a valid WWCC/WWVP, and this policy extends to cover all Instructors.
A WWCC/WWVP check is our preferred safety and compliance check for our Licensed Instructors. Overall, this compliance requirement ensures that MHFA Licensed Instructors are prepared to operate safely and responsibly in any setting where their training may be delivered.
Licensed Instructors who do not directly work with children may still require a Working with Children Check for several reasons:
1. Training can be delivered in child related settings: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses are delivered in various settings, including schools, workplaces, and community/youth centers. Even if instructors do not primarily work with children, they may conduct training sessions in environments where children are present or nearby, such as schools or community and youth centers.
2. MHFAI Policy requirements: The Working with Children's Check is the preferred safety and character check for Licensed Instructors delivering MHFA courses. Our policy ensures that Licensed Instructors meet safety standards and are deemed suitable to work in environments where they may interact with children, even indirectly.
3. Diversity of our course offerings: Some MHFA courses, such as Youth MHFA and Teen MHFA, specifically target adults who support young people or are directly delivered to young people. All Licensed Instructors are able to upgrade to deliver these courses.
4. Organisational and Community Standards: Organisations and communities that host MHFA training may have their own policies requiring external visitors or contractors to have a Working with Children Check, regardless of whether they directly interact with children.
What happens if my WWCC/WWVP expires?
When a submitted check expires, an Instructor’s account will lapse. This status will remain until Instructors upload new details to their Instructor Portal and are then verified by MHFAI.
In the event a course license lapses, Instructors are not permitted to deliver courses associated with that license, and they cannot represent themselves as a Licensed MHFA Instructors. Instructor Portal access will be restricted, and Instructors will be unable to purchase materials from the MFHAShop.
Please note that applying to renew your WWCC or WWVP can be a lengthy process in some states. As you are not allowed to deliver with an expired check, you may wish to apply for your renewal 8-10 weeks prior to the expiry date, to minimise and disruption to your course delivery.