Figure D1
Supervision requirements for CPPs by classification

DHHS's Child Protection Manual outlines the different phases and processes in child protection. The figures in this appendix summarise the steps involved in each phase or process, as shown in Figure C1.

Figure C1
Child protection phases shown in this appendix

Figure B1
Classification and description of CPP roles

We have consulted with DHHS and WorkSafe Victoria, and we considered their views when reaching our audit conclusions. As required by section 16(3) of the Audit Act 1994, we gave a draft copy of this report, or relevant extracts, to those agencies and asked for their submissions and comments. We also provided a copy of the report to the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

Responsibility for the accuracy, fairness and balance of those comments rests solely with the agency head.

Responses were received as follows:

CPPs work in a stressful environment and face constant demands—in both their workloads and the type of work they do. A 2008 report, The Cost of Workplace Stress in Australia, found people are more likely to experience high stress levels at work when they are under pressure—for workload or responsibility—and feel unable to meet their deadlines or control their output.

A 2014 study on the impact of mental health conditions by Australia's Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance advises that:

'A critical starting point [for improving staff mental health] for organisations is ensuring that policies are developed and implemented which support employees to identify that they have a mental health condition, and access appropriate treatment and support.'

CPPs are regularly exposed to risks that may affect their mental health and wellbeing. At the same time, CPPs' workloads continue to increase, with the rising number of reports that CPPs are required to investigate and, where substantiated, act on.

This part examines the nature and origin of the risks that are affecting CPPs' mental health.

2.1 Conclusion

Poor management of psychosocial risks limits CPPs' ability to maintain good mental health.

1.1 Child protection in Victoria

Under Victoria's Children, Youth and Families Act 2005, DHHS is responsible for protecting children and young people from abuse and neglect. As of 30 June 2017, DHHS employed 1 933 CPPs in 24 field offices across four divisions to carry out this mandate. This includes:

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is responsible for protecting Victoria's children and young people from abuse and neglect. It does so through its child protection program, where child protection practitioners (CPP) receive, assess, and investigate reports of suspected child abuse and neglect. Where a child or young person needs protection, CPPs intervene and provide protective services.