Safety and wellbeing for child safety staff

Collaborating with external agencies

Mental health is a shared responsibility, and the burden of care should not rest on one service alone. Partner with clinical and healing services to provide comprehensive support. 

Build strong partnerships with agencies such as Child and Youth Mental Health Services, adult mental health services, ATSICCOs, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health workers, as well as other sectors including departments responsible for education, housing, and youth justice to create wrap-around supports for children and families.

Collaboration across multiple agencies ensures clarity of roles, avoids duplication of efforts, and reduces the risk of unmet needs. 

Worker safety in mental health casework

Supporting children, young people, or parents experiencing mental health concerns can involve complex situations, including volatile family dynamics, threatening behaviours, or high emotional reactivity. Key strategies for maintaining worker-safety include: 

• following safe home visiting procedures (Refer to Work safely away from the office.)
• conducting clear risk assessments before contact 
• having escalation processes in place if risks increase 
• regular debriefs after visits.  

Consistent supervision provides opportunities to reflect on practice and address concerns as they arise, fostering prevention and early intervention. Establishing patterns of reflective practice helps build resilience and guards against vicarious trauma, ensuring sustained wellbeing for workers. 

Workplace health and safety in child protection

Proactively take workplace health and safety precautions as navigating complex and often high-risk situations can lead to physical and emotional harm. (Refer to Wellbeing.) 

Vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, blocked care and burnout are real challenges for those working in child protection, arising from repeated exposure to distressing stories, high workloads, and emotional demands. These impacts can affect mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing, making self-care and self-compassion essential. 

Strategies such as setting clear boundaries, seeking regular supervision, practising mindfulness, and prioritising rest and recovery can help maintain balance. Engaging in activities that bring joy, connecting with supportive colleagues or mentors, and acknowledging the emotional toll of the work with kindness towards oneself are vital steps in building resilience and sustaining wellbeing.

Safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff often face unique challenges in their roles, as shown in the table below. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Safety staff can access Elders and cultural mentors for guidance and support as part of their role. Cultural responsibilities are recognised and should be factored into workloads through open discussions in supervision. Taking cultural leave and participating in Sorry Business is supported to honour connections and promote healing. 

Make use of the culturally safe wellbeing spaces, such as Gallang Place. These spaces provide an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff can access culturally appropriate care, strengthen their resilience, and maintain their wellbeing.