The Andrews Labor government has gone above and beyond the 148 workers target it announced in last year’s Victorian Budget, by employing more than 200 child protection professionals.
Through Roadmap for Reform, the government is implementing an overhaul of the broader child protection system, aligning with the Royal Commission into Family Violence recommendations.
This is a milestone move towards keeping children and young people safe, by reinforcing the child protection system in order to provide vital help to families in crisis.
The new workers will meet the recent growth in child protection reports, which is largely underpinned by family violence.
“The Andrews Labor government is boosting the child protection workforce so that Victorian kids can lead safe, happy and healthy lives,” Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos said.
“The former Liberal government failed to meet demand for the essential services child protection workers provide. By contrast, we know the importance of keeping kids safe, and giving them the opportunity to reach their potential. The focus shifts from crisis response to prevention and early intervention which will have a direct, positive and lasting impact on vulnerable children.”
Apart from the pre-approved 184 child protection positions, 32 advanced child protection workers will be offering their services. The reform includes 12 new family violence specialist child protection workers and four dedicated child protection practice leaders identifying children at risk of sexual exploitation – working with Victoria Police to prevent it and supporting young people to recover.
Meanwhile, to help reduce call waiting times and undertake visits related to urgent reports, six additional child protection workers will join the Child Protection After Hours Emergency Service.