Have a Heart for children in state care

THERE'S A CRISIS IN RESIDENTIAL CARE

Every month hundreds of shifts are being covered by fatigued Youth Workers working excessive overtime. Many more are not covered at all.

The staffing shortage has become so chronic that social workers are now being forced to care for children in offices because there aren't enough Residential Care staff to care for them. This puts vulnerable children and the staff that care for them at serious risk.

Minister Sanderson has known about this for years, yet the problem is getting worse.

The Public Service Association has calculated that we need at least 60 more full-time youth workers to ensure appropriate staffing in Residential Care.

EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAMS MUST BE RESTORED

In the last two State Budgets, Minister Sanderson’s government has made significant cuts to successful early intervention programs. As a result we’re seeing more children coming into state care.

We need these programs restored to ensure vulnerable children and families are supported to function independently.

CUTS TO ABORIGINAL PROGRAMS MUST BE ABANDONED

Many children in care are Aboriginal. Yet, Minister Sanderson’s government is planning to axe critical programs specifically designed to support Aboriginal children and their families.

TO FIX THIS CRISIS MINISTER SANDERSON MUST 

1. Immediately increase the number of youth workers in residential care houses.

2. Reverse her government’s cuts to vital early intervention programs.

3. Stop cuts to important programs that support Aboriginal children and families.

TAKE ACTION

Tell Minister Sanderson it's time to Have a Heart for children in state care!

SIGN OUR PETITION

CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED

On Saturday February 20, around 100 members and supporters gathered at Rachel Sanderson's electoral office in Prospect to launch the Have a Heart campaign.

The following motions were endorsed by all present:

1. We call on Rachel Sanderson, Minister for Child Protection, to immediately increase the number of Youth Workers in residential care houses by at least 60 net full-time positions.

2. We call on Rachel Sanderson, Minister for Child Protection, to reverse the cuts to early intervention programs and return the departments focus to preventing children coming into care.

3. We call on Rachel Sanderson, Minister for Child Protection, to abandon any steps to dilute programs that have been specifically designed to support Aboriginal children and their families.

WATCH THE LAUNCH VIDEO