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.