Child protection workforce: the case for change
On Friday 3 June, the Victorian Government released the document, Child protection workforce: the case for change, which outlines the challenges facing child protection practitioners in Victoria. The Hon Mary Wooldridge, Minister for Community Services, said the document presents compelling evidence about the need to provide more support for the workforce to get improved outcomes for vulnerable children.
Child protection is one of the most important professions in our community. Research indicates that the relationship between a vulnerable child, young person and a professional child protection practitioner is critical to the life chances of that child or young person.
The figures show that entry level child protection practitioners – 50 per cent of our case carrying workforce – have been leaving at a high rate of approximately 25 per cent a year. This is double the turnover rate experienced across the total Victorian child protection workforce.
Evidence indicates we have a highly qualified professional workforce that is motivated by wanting to make a difference for children and young people, but is also frustrated by feeling held back by the system.
Over the past year there has been extensive research and consultation with people involved in the child protection system to improve understanding of the issues that face the workforce in Victoria. Consistent feedback from practitioners has confirmed the need for action in four areas:
- Valuing the work and developing the professional
- More support for, and supervision of frontline workers
- Reducing the statutory and administrative burden
- Supporting staff to balance the demands of the job.
A number of changes to the child protection system are proposed in response to this evidence, to better value and support practitioners. The next steps include:
- Developing a new child protection operating model that gives staff the support and flexibility they need to put the best interests of children and young people first.
- Ensuring the critical case-carrying staff numbers are bolstered; with more support for complex case decisions and more help for new staff.
- Establishing Principal Practitioners across every region to provide practice leadership.
- Developing clear career pathways to help skilled practitioners remain in practice and refine and improve their skills. This will help build the level of experience within the workforce.
The independent Protecting Victoria’s Vulnerable Children Inquiry will also hand down its report later in the year, providing further advice to the State Government about comprehensive reform to strengthen the child protection system.
- Child protection workforce: the case for change (PDF 242.7 KB)
Report on the current state of the child protection system in Victoria and advocating the case for change.
