For many years, your Public Service Association (PSA) has been advocating and pushing for better mental health and psychological support for all child protection workers (i.e. all workers in DCJ, Community Services). The work pressures and the nature of work undertaken by child protection workers carries as much risk, if not more than Police, Fire and Ambulance Services.

The PSA was instrumental in getting the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) to gain funding for worker Wellbeing Checks with an independent psychologist. These checks were rolled out over the last couple of years, initially in JCPRP and now all workers in Community Services.

Last year saw the wider rollout of these checks to all Community Services workers. The uptake has been reportedly sluggish. The PSA raised concerns that members complained that they were not given dedicated time to attend the initial Wellbeing presentations and or partake in the Wellbeing Checks. Poor uptake of the Wellbeing Checks would risk the case for ongoing funding and all the hard work you and other members have undertaken may be lost. Keep in mind that these checks are standard in other high-risk agencies.

Your PSA strongly encourages all members to engage in the Wellbeing Checks.

Take them up, use them to gain additional strategies and support. Not just for you, but also for your co-workers and the children and families you work with. The healthier you are, the more you’ll be able to support those you work with.

The Wellbeing Checks are private and confidential. What is discussed in the sessions is not passed on to DCJ. It is a safe place to get things off your chest in a supportive environment.