Why This Matters
The Children’s Act 2014 requires Children’s Workers in health services to undergo a formal safety check. Because ACC is a Crown Entity, all registered ACC providers who meet the definition of a Children’s Worker must comply with this requirement.
Am I a Children’s Worker?
A Children’s Worker is defined as someone whose work:
Interpreted by ACC and the Ministry of Health as:
You are a Children’s Worker if you treat clients under 18 years old without a parent or guardian present:
What You Must Do
| Your Situation |
Are You a Children’s Worker? |
Action Required |
| You never treat children |
❌ No |
No action |
| You treat children only with a parent/guardian present |
❌ No |
Complete and return the CWSC declaration to ACC |
| You may or do treat children unsupervised, regularly or overnight |
✅ Yes |
Complete a full Children’s Worker Safety Check via a third-party provider (e.g. CVC Check) |
| You treat children unsupervised less than once a week, e.g. “occasionally” |
❌ No (ACC guidance) |
Complete and return the CWSC declaration to ACC |
Additional Notes for Employers & Sole Traders
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Employers: You can complete and sign CWSC declarations for osteopaths not considered Children’s Workers.
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Employing a Children’s Worker? You must engage a third-party vetting agency (e.g. CVC Check).
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Sole Traders who are Children’s Workers: You cannot self-sign. Use a third-party vetting agency.
Am I a Children’s Worker?
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