The Department of Justice and Attorney-General has announced that more than 150 new front-line child safety worker positions are to be created.
Minister for Children and Youth Justice, Leanne Linard said the significant increase in the number of child safety officers (CSOs) was aimed at creating more meaningful relationships with children and families in need.
She said the COVID-19 pandemic, together with the increasing abuse of methamphetamines and ice, had created an unprecedented demand on the child safety network.
“More front-line staff mean we’ll be working more intensively with children and families sooner,” Ms Linard said.
“The new staff will be rolled out across the next two years.”
She said the 154 positions would be made up of 105 CSOs, 18 senior team leaders, 18 child safety support officers and about 13 administration officers.
The Minister said the announcement followed a record $1.475 billion allocation in child and family services in the 2020-21 Budget.
This had included $166.6 million allocated to early intervention through Family and Child Connect, Intensive Family Support, Family Participation Programs and Family Wellbeing Services, and continued implementation of other key reforms.
In addition, $98.4 million is to go to managing an increasing demand in the child protection system.
“Our child safety workers do incredible work in often unimaginable circumstances and I can’t tell you how much that work is valued and appreciated,” Ms Linard said.
