Child protection workers at the Liverpool Community Services Centre will walk off the job today over the under-staffing crisis in NSW child protection, which means only one in every five children assessed as 'at risk of serious harm' are being seen by a caseworker.
When: 12.30pm, Wednesday 24 July 2024
Where: 23-31 Moore Street Liverpool
Who: Troy Wright, Assistant General Secretary, Public Service Association of NSW with child protection workers
Contact: Anil Lambert 0416 426 722 / anil@hortonadvisory.com.au
Troy Wright, Assistant General Secretary, Public Service Association of NSW:
"Right now only one in five kids reported to child protection services as being 'at risk of serious harm' ('ROSH') are being seen by a child caseworker. That is just a massive moral failing of our state.
"There are literally thousands of children across the state getting hurt who could be protected if the government just invested the necessary resources in staff.
"Child protection workers are burning out in record numbers. The ones who are still working are grossly underpaid and face incredible challenges at work. The situation is just unsustainable.
"Child protection workers have been crying out for change, but so far it has not come. The Minns Government did not create this crisis, but it falls to this government to fix it."
“Child protection caseworkers are passionate about their work, and they do not take action lightly. They want the Liverpool community to know no urgent child protection responses will be impacted during their protest, and that skeleton staffing will be maintained at all times."
Child protection caseworkers are demanding Minister Kate Washington and the Minns Government immediately:
- Recruit another 500 caseworkers
- Give caseworkers an immediate and substantial pay rise
- De-privatise foster care