Social Worker Policy

The Child Protection Party believe that there needs to be a process which makes all Child Protection Workers accountable for their behaviour. It is important therefore for every employee of a state based child protection service, who holds a University degree which entitles them to conduct specific roles within the child protection system, be registered with their Profession’s peek organisation. This policy relates to both Government and Non-Government Organisations.

If a person holds a Social Work degree they are deemed a “Social Worker” regardless of the title used by the organisation. If a person holds a Social Science degree then they are not a Social Worker and cannot hold that title but are given a title which best fits with the qualification and the work they are performing. However, a worker holding a Social Science degree must still register with their professional peak body. A psychologist may be employed as a Youth Worker but they are still a Psychologist and therefore must still be registered with their professional organisation in order to work with vulnerable children and their family.

The Child Protection Party believes that one of the best ways to protect children is to ensure that those working with children are accountable to an organisation external to their employer.

Professional Organisations provide a Code of Ethics, have developed Practice Principles and offer a complaints process for clients. Professional Organisations have the capacity to oversee, discipline, or remove from practice anyone who fails to conform to their professional standards. Professional organisations protect their members by providing Professional Development, changes in practice methodology, insurances, ensuring that a code of ethics is adhered too and supporting members in every facet of their practice.

We will be seeking to implement legislation which will ensure transparency and a standard of practice which can be monitored and assessed so that all stakeholders will receive the highest standard of professional practice.

We believe that by providing a consistent and assessable standard of practice will lead to a consistency of practice which will provide better outcomes for consumers and ultimately better outcomes for children. Practice standards differ greatly within all the professions thus resulting in confusing and often damaging decisions that can cause death and/or further traumatisation of children.

If you would like to comment on this policy, please leave your comments below.

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