VOLUNTEERS, POLICE CHECKS

In reply to Ms CHAPMAN (Bragg) (8 October 2010).

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright—Minister for Families and Communities, Minister for Housing, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability): Volunteers play an important role in our community from helping at hospitals and in schools, assisting newly arrived immigrants settle into the community, accompanying young children on family visits or providing social support to isolated people. The State Government appreciates the many people who volunteer their time to help in their community and in particular, the work that is done to support older people in aged care settings and in their own homes.

Many organisations require volunteers to undertake a criminal history check.

The government meets the cost of police checks for volunteers who work with vulnerable groups such as children, the aged and frail, or people with a disability. South Australia is the only State to do this.

To ensure volunteers are eligible for a free check, community organisations need to register for a Volunteer Organisation Authorisation Number (known as a VOAN).

Community organisations are eligible for a VOAN if they meet the following criteria:

Service delivery involves volunteers having personal contact with vulnerable groups (i.e. children, the elderly, people with a disability)

Services provide a charity or community service good

Are incorporated and are non-government

Are not members, affiliated clubs or an association of a larger organisation

Volunteers within the Department for Families and Communities (DFC) are required to undergo a National Criminal History Record Check prior to commencing their role, with these checks repeated every three years. DFC undertakes these checks at no cost to the volunteer.

There is no plan to change the existing practices.