New campaign showcases Queensland child safety careers

The Palaszczuk Government is calling on Queenslanders to consider becoming child safety officers. Minister for Children, Leanne Linard said the Government's 2021-22 Budget invested more than $11.1 million to employ an additional 107 frontline child and family services staff, and a further 47 will be employed in 2022-23. This commitment has already employed an additional 55 child safety officers (CSOs) with a further 50 CSOs required over the next fifteen months. "As I travel around Queensland, CSOs tell me how rewarding their work is and you can see their passion in the work they do every day," she said. "That's why we have a new recruitment website featuring some of the 1,250 child safety officers already employed in Queensland. "Our CSOs are committed to the work they do and now we're asking other like-minded people with the right qualifications and skills to consider exploring a career in child safety. "These staff all have one thing in common – they want to make meaningful change to the lives of vulnerable children and young people, and while it can be difficult it is also incredibly rewarding. "For people who are in their final year of university or who have a relevant qualification and have wondered what it's like, we've put together a range of information and resources so you can dive a little deeper into what is involved in a career in child safety." One child safety officer who told her story was Lucy, who said for her, it was about the relationships you build with children, families, colleagues and support services. "You're not going to know everything, and that's okay. We have resources and a close-knit team to support you," she said. Ms Linard said people who take on this role will be helping to provide better services to communities right across the state. They work with families in crisis, or who have gone off track and need extra support. "Children, parents and families are at the centre of everything CSOs do. The services we provide families have a positive impact on their lives and improve their long-term outcomes and wellbeing," she said. "Every family situation is unique, and every day is different. Some days can be incredibly tough, but what I also hear from our CSOs is that theirs is an uplifting job, particularly on days when they know they've really helped a child or family." Ashlii said it was more than just a job for her. "Growing up, I was a child in care, and that experience allows me to see the importance of involving the kids in the conversation," she said. "It can be hard, but you get to help some of our most vulnerable people and show them some light." The Palaszczuk Government is investing more than $1.55 billion in the current child and family services budget, an increase of $616 million since 2015. There are 231 more child safety officers than there were in 2015.