Volunteers play a key role within the department and are a valuable part of the child protection system.

Volunteers must be aged 18 or older and must undergo a DHS working with children check.

Volunteers must be reliable and available for a reasonable amount of time. This may be weekly, fortnightly or monthly on weekends and weekdays.

Types of volunteer roles

Volunteers are assigned to an office and can take on a range of roles such as:

  • transport – driving a child to family visits, respite care, school or other appointments
  • individual or group support – helping with homework or other activities like craft or music
  • life story work – helping children in out-of-home care placements with parts of their life story work scrapbooks
  • promotional activities – being involved in promoting the department during Youth Week or Child Protection Week
  • recreational activities – helping with fun days or picnics with a child, group of young people or families
  • skill developments – teaching or sharing a particular skill.

What to expect as a volunteer

As a volunteer you can expect training, supervision and ongoing support.

Orientation training

Orientation training occurs over 3 non-consecutive days, and covers:

  • information about the department
  • your rights and responsibilities as a volunteer
  • performance expectations
  • skill-building and self-awareness elements
  • compulsory child safe environment training.

If you have already completed the child safe environments training, a copy of your certificate can be given to the volunteer coordinator.

Volunteer coordinators

Volunteers are supported by a volunteer coordinator who will manage your role and organise appropriate training.

Benefits of volunteering

Benefits include:

  • personal satisfaction and growth
  • helping your community and vulnerable children
  • social contact with a variety of people
  • extending your skills and experience
  • obtaining a reference
  • boosting career options.

Get involved

To register your interest, contact the volunteer coordinator at your nearest Department for Child Protection location.