Minister Tolley finally promises staff involvement after shutting them out of CYF review

The Public Service Association (PSA), the union for social workers, welcomes Anne Tolley’s commitment this morning to involve CYF staff and their union in the review of their structure and process, but questions why full staff involvement has not already taken place.

Erin Polaczuk, PSA national secretary, said "Social workers have been left out of the process so far, and this is unacceptable."

"The report hints at a move away from professional social workers towards generic roles, a lower-skill model which has failed overseas.

"Social workers are advocates for children and their wellbeing, and this must not be lost in any move away from specialised social work roles.

"CYF staff work with vulnerable children every day, and they should form the foundation of any review of best practice.

"The PSA has been working with social workers, academics and experts who have felt left out of Minister Tolley’s top-down review.

"Despite repeated requests, Minister Tolley has refused to meet with us up until now.

"CYF staff feel like their futures, and those of the children they work with, are being decided on high rather than through a proper consultative process," said Erin Polaczuk.

ENDS

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