Potential mentors may complete a written application to express interest in becoming a mentor.

The application form requires applicants to provide proof of identity and residence and agree to a Working With Children Check and National Police Check. Applicants need to nominate three personal referees who have known them for at least one year.

Written applications can sometimes be a barrier to participating, particularly among groups with low literacy. Your LDAT may wish to provide some different options for young people to express interest in, or to apply to, the mentoring program, e.g. phone call, short video clip, other graphic option.

Completing a Working with Children Check

All mentors have must a valid Working with Children Check, even if they already have a Police Check.

The Working With Children Check (WWCC) is a legal requirement for anyone who works or volunteers in child-related work. It involves a National Police Check (criminal history record check) and a review of child protection information, reportable workplace misconduct and other information.

The outcome of a check is either a clearance to work with children or a bar against working with children. If cleared, the check will be valid for five years, however applicants are continuously monitored.

The WWCC is free for volunteers. Paid and self-employed employees are required to pay a fee for the WWCC. You can apply online for a WWCC in the state or territory that you are located.

State and territory contacts for Working with Children Checks

• ACT (‘working with vulnerable people registration’)
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• Queensland (‘blue card’)
• South Australia
• Tasmania (‘working with vulnerable people card’)
• Victoria
• Western Australia

See also Policies and Procedures

Completing a police record check

A police record check provides a summary of a person’s offender history in Australia, based on a search of the person’s name against the criminal history records held by police services Australia-wide. It is usually requested by organisations as part of their recruitment process for staff and volunteers. Police record checks are also called National Police Certificates (NPCs).

You can apply for a National Police Certificate in the state or territory that you are located. The application process will vary slightly depending on the jurisdiction, however it will include:

• completing an application form: Consent to Check and Release National Police Certificate
• ID verification
• fees and charges (generally less than $50), although police checks for volunteers who work with vulnerable groups are provided free of charge to organisations who have a Volunteer Organisation Authorisation Number
• getting the application processed either online or in person (e.g. Australia Post outlets).

State and territory police contacts for Police Checks

• Australian Federal Police (ACT residents)
• NSW Police
• NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services
• Queensland Police Service
• South Australia Police
• Tasmania Police
• Victoria Police
• Western Australia Police Force

See also Policies and Procedures.

Sample application forms

Learn more: application forms

Mentor application form

Mentee application form

Parent/Guardian Consent Letter

Learn more: parent guardian letter for mentoring

Parent guardian letter for mentoring

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