Foster and Kinship Carer Assessments

886 Ms STINSON (Badcoe) (2 July 2019). What actions to date have been taken by the Department for Child Protection, to ensure that volunteers engaged by the department comply with the new working with children checks that are due to come into force on 1 July 2019?

The Hon. R. SANDERSON (Adelaide—Minister for Child Protection): I have been advised:

In the 2018-19 budget, $250,000 was allocated by the Department of Human Services towards an advertising campaign comprising print, radio, digital and social media.

As part of that DHS campaign, a wideranging communication strategy is underway to ensure the community is aware of the changes that have occurred and transitional arrangements.

Valid child-related screening checks issued prior to 1 July 2019 remain valid until they expire, even if this expiry date is after 1 July 2019.

The department wrote to all volunteers on 30 May 2019, advising of the upcoming changes to the screening process. This correspondence included a copy of the fact sheet about the changes, which can also be found on the department's website. Other pertinent information for volunteers is also available on the website.