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 in volunteering at one of our Department for Child Protection locations contact our volunteer coordinator team on 0492 000 743.