The Worker and Carer Exclusion Scheme (WCES) is a key part of Victoria’s strengthened regulatory framework for social services, ensuring the safety and protection of children and young people in out-of-home care. Established under the Social Services Regulation Act 2021, the scheme broadens the scope of conduct that can result in a worker or carer being excluded from the sector, increasing protections for vulnerable children. The scheme is administered by the Social Services Regulator, and its independent panels play a critical role in determining whether an out-of-home care worker or carer should...