Screening checks
Screening checks help to ensure that people with a known history of violent or abusive behaviour do not work with children and other vulnerable people in their job or as a volunteer. Sometimes screening is required by law, but in other cases an employer or organisation may decide it's necessary.
Screening checks assess additional information that would not be detected through a standard police check.
How a police check differs from a screening check - Department of Human Services
Types of check
There are five types of screening check:
- child related employment
- disability services employment
- aged care sector employment
- vulnerable person related employment
- general employment probity.
More about the different types of screening check - Department of Human Services
How to apply
Applications are usually started by an employer or an organisation. Applicants then receive an email or form with instructions for completing their part of the process.
Apply on the Department of Human Services website.
What happens next
Clearance is usually provided within 30 business days. The time it takes depends on the amount and type of information that needs to be checked. Checks can sometimes take longer than eight weeks.
A screening check is valid for three years. You can present your clearance letter at multiple organisations during that time. Applicants for general employment probity screening will not receive a letter as these checks are role-specific and are not portable.
Check on the progress of your application
Renewals
If a current check needs to be renewed, applications should be lodged between three and six months before the expiry date. Simply use the application process outlined above.
Related information
On this site
Other websites
- About relevant history screening - Department for Education
- Apply for a police record check - South Australia Police
- Criminal history screening and background checks - SA Health
- Member protection and child safety - Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing
