Criminal History Screening and Professional Placement
The Department of Education and Childrens Services (DECS) (which includes TAFE and its Adult Migrant Education Program), Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) and the Association of Independent Schools of South Australia (AISSA) have advised the University that all students participating in professional placement must obtain clearance to work with minors in South Australian educational or child care settings prior to being accepted on placement. A Reference Group, consisting of representatives from the above organisations, operates to assist in this process.
The University has no power over the decision of the Reference Group in this matter. If you fail to obtain clearance for any reason, the University cannot accept responsibility for obtaining a professional placement that you may require to complete your course of study.
From 2007, all students undertaking professional placement in any South Australian education or early childhood settings are required to use the DECS Criminal History Screening process.
The strictest confidentiality will be maintained by DECS on the information provided during their screen and clearance process.
The University does not require you to do a criminal history clearance as a condition of enrolment. However, the University will require students to undertake a criminal history clearance as a condition of eligibility for professional placement, a compulsory part of the program. Ultimately if you cannot undertake a professional placement, you cannot graduate with an Education Degree from UniSA.
