Caseworkers from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) have been celebrated in a documentary now airing on the Special Broadcasting Service’s SBS on Demand platform.
Announcing the program, SBS said its documentary The Department followed DCJ caseworkers as they navigated the complexities of keeping children safe in families experiencing domestic violence, addiction, mental health issues and intergenerational trauma.
DCJ said the film featured some of the services it offered and the workers involved, from the Child Protection Helpline through to pre-natal, child protection, restoration, out of home care and leaving care support.
Following the release of the documentary over the weekend (10 October), DCJ published information and resources for people interested in learning more about some of the subjects covered in The Department, including DCJ’s role in protecting children and young people and how to get involved as a caseworker or foster carer.
“Our role is to understand each child’s experience, build relationships with parents, families and communities and use collective knowledge, skills and courage to achieve change,” the Department said.
DCJ said its services and casework for children and families included supporting families when they were vulnerable; supporting children in out-of-home care to achieve a permanent and safe home; and commissioning a range of funded service providers to deliver high-quality care and support services to the community.
It said people who felt motivated to become a DCJ caseworker after watching the film could learn more about caseworker roles, benefits and relocation support on its website.
“Our team includes a range of roles including Caseworkers, Casework Managers, Casework Support Workers, Casework Specialists, Helpline Caseworkers and more,” it said.
DCJ said people who were inspired by the documentary to become a foster carer could become an integral part of the child protection system and help to keep children and young people safe.
“We always need more foster and kinship carers in NSW,” DCJ said.
“Anyone can be a foster carer and there are lots of different foster caring roles; you can be a short, medium or long-term carer, a kinship carer, emergency carer or respite carer,” it said.
“All you need is a safe and nurturing home and be willing to make a difference in a child or young person’s life.”
DCJ said further information on its support services for families, the child protection helpline and support for domestic violence victims was also available on its website.
The Department is one of eight stand-alone documentaries in SBS’s Australia Uncovered series.
DCJ’s website can be accessed at this PS News link.
