There are transitional periods for those who have already had a screening check.

Unless stated otherwise, the transitional period for provisions relating to the Child Safety (Prohibited Persons) Act 2016 (SA) and the Children and Young People (Oversight and Advocacy Bodies) Act 2016 (SA) end on 30 June 2022.

Transitional period to 1 July 2020

If the responsible authority of an organisation conducted a screening check in relation to a person by assessing a police check or other evidence under regulation 6(1)(a) of the Children’s Protection Regulations 2010 (SA), then the prohibitions on working with children without having obtained a screening check will not apply for 12 months (i.e. until 1 July 2020) [see section 8A of the Children’s Protection Law Reform (Transitional Arrangements and Related Amendments) Act 2017 (SA)].

This will no longer apply if the person becomes a prohibited person or once a new working with children check is conducted [s 8A(3)]. See Who is prohibited from working with children?

The screening unit may issue those to whom this applies with a unique identifier (if they don’t already have one) [Children’s Protection Law Reform (Transitional Arrangements and Related Amendments) Act 2017 (SA) s 8A(4)].

Transitional period until current check expires

If a person has obtained a clearance for child-related employment from the DCSI/DHS Screening Unit within the last 3 years (as at 1 July 2019) , it will be taken to be a working with children check for the person until it expires [see Children’s Protection Law Reform (Transitional Arrangements and Related Amendments) Act 2017 (SA) s 8(1)]. These expire at 3 years, and the person will then be required to apply for a working with children check.

This will no longer apply if the person becomes a prohibited person, nor once a new working with children check is conducted [s 8(2)] See Who is prohibited from working with children?

The screening unit may issue those who obtained a working with children check before 1 July 2019 with a unique identifier (if they don’t already have one) [Children’s Protection Law Reform (Transitional Arrangements and Related Amendments) Act 2017 (SA) s 8(4)].