Child Safety staff share personal stories of life-changing work

Queensland Child Safety staff have shared their personal stories of changing the lives of vulnerable children and families.

In a series of videos calling on more Queenslanders to join their life-saving mission, staff who have dedicated their own lives to helping others tell why they are so committed to the cause.

Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women Di Farmer said the dedication, passion and hard work of Queensland’s child safety officers was outstanding, but more are needed to further strengthen the state’s child protection system.

“The videos are about real people who speak honestly about what it is like to be a child safety officer in this state,” Ms Farmer said.

“It shows in all of these videos that the roles of child safety officers are challenging, but these jobs come with moments that make this a highly rewarding career with great opportunities.”

“We know Queenslanders have big hearts, and these Child Safety staff have opened theirs to show just how big a difference can be made.

“Child safety officers make such a valuable contribution to improving the lives of vulnerable children, young people and families who need it most.”

Ms Farmer said it was an exciting time to join the department as the State Government worked to build a new child protection and family support system.

“Every family struggles. Some families struggle more than most,” Ms Farmer said.

“For those families we need to change their story, and it is everyday Queenslanders who can help us to create that change.

“We are working hard here in Queensland to meet the needs of children, young people and families – now and into the future.

“I would encourage anyone who has ever considered working in child safety to come on board and make a world of difference to children and families in need of support.

“All of our child safety staff – from child safety officers, child safety support officers and convenors – play a vital role in keeping Queensland children safe.”

Ms Farmer said working with vulnerable families and children could be confronting, but Child Safety staff often went above and beyond to change lives.

“Our staff face some of the most difficult conditions you could imagine, but they front up day after day knowing that their work could make all the difference to a family,” Ms Farmer said.

“In Child Safety we have a lower absenteeism rate than the Public Service average, and that tells you just how committed our staff are.”

Ms Farmer said child safety officers were working with families who are grappling with complex issues such as methamphetamine use and domestic and family violence.

“We need more child safety officers in regional parts of Queensland – particularly in Central and Northern Queensland,” she said.

“These are beautiful parts of the state that have so much to offer in terms of lifestyle,” she said.

“The department can help with relocation costs and offers additional incentives for people who choose to work in remote areas.”

The Queensland Government has funded an additional 421 child safety positions since March 2015.

To see the videos or find out more about working as a child safety officer in regional Queensland visit https://www.csyw.qld.gov.au/about-us/careers/career-opportunities/child-protection-careers

ENDS

Media Contact:                      Ron Goodman            0427 781 920

Hi-res images of the Child Safety staff in the videos can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/dx3rfiz2occt90h/AADyApbJfg_Q7OkS450ZrBXSa?dl=0

Quotes from regional Child Safety staff:

Cairns (FNQ) - Sarah

Cairns/Lower Cape office. (Senior team leader)

“Our biggest goal is that children find permanency and stability in their home environment.”

“(as parents of the future) The more support the more stability they get here that’s going to give them the opportunities the skills to be able to provide to their own children.”

“We’ve got a really, really big job in front of us and that’s why we need more people here doing this important work.”

“It’s tough! But is it rewarding? Absolutely…when the family genuinely look you in the eye and thank you because you have made a real difference to their life. I don’t think anything can replace that.”

“It is the most important job there is in terms of children’s safety.”

Ipswich – Claire/ Emily/Amy - Ipswich south child safety.

Emily says no two days are the same as a child safety officer.

“Someday it’s driving an hour and half to make a home visit, to getting food hampers and meetings with colleagues. It varies every day”.

Emily says a career in Child safety is really rewarding

“For people considering a career in child safety I’d say it’s absolutely worth it.”

Amy says her goal is to help those families and children in care going through a tough time a little easier.

“Everyone deserves to have someone on their side”

Maryborough - James – manager, CQ.

James says every day is different and every day has its challenges.

“Having worked in the office for so long I have seen a lot of kids grow up.”

“One girl I have known since she was 8yo and she is now a mum.”

“It’s been really rewarding to see where she is now.”

Mt Gravatt (Brisbane) - Nicole

Nicole has previously been a child in care and is now a child care officer.

“Having that care experience gives you an insight into what goes on in a child when they are removed from a home.”

“You do see a lot of challenges in our role but you do see families get back on their feet and you see children go home to their families.”

“I do feel like I am making a difference.”

Mackay – Kerry – Child Safety Officer

"Being an Aboriginal woman, I believe that I can see things differently to other CSOs. Because it's allowed me to use a cultural lens.

“I can see the importance of kinship, the importance of community and culture, and also self-identity.

"I'd like to make a difference in the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families coming into care, and also give them an opportunity to work with an Aboriginal CSO as well. Because there's not many of us. “It's really important that we get more Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander CSOs."