Volunteers play a key role with 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 weekdays and weekends.

Types of volunteer roles

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

• transport – driving a child/ren to family visits, respite care, school or other appointments
• life story book work – assisting children  to create parts of their life story scrapbooks
• promotional activities – being involved in promoting the department during Youth Week, Child Protection week and NAIDOC Week
• recreational activities – helping with, activity days, Christmas parties, theme week events with children/young people and their families
• Homework support groups

What to expect as a volunteer

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

Induction

Volunteer induction occurs over 2 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 Environments (Through Their Eyes) training

If you have already completed the Child Safe Environments (Through Their Eyes) training, a copy of your certificate can be given to the Volunteer Coordinator.

Volunteer Coordinator

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 vulnerable children and  your community
• social contact with a variety of people
• extending your skills and experience
• obtaining a reference
• developing career options

Become involved in volunteering

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