Big improvements needed in CYPFS - briefing papers

Roger Sowry - National Deputy Leader

Children Young Persons and their Families Service briefing papers show there are still serious concerns relating to the problems within CYPFS raised by Principal Youth Court Judge Mick Brown, says National’s Acting Social Services spokesperson Roger Sowry.

“Mick Brown pointed out deep problems within CYPFS of lack of training, heavy case loads, lack of personal attention to cases and under funding.

These papers show Mr Maharey has made little progress addressing these issues.

“The statistic that almost half (46%) the social workers at CYPFS have less than two years experience is startling. It is hugely concerning that the number of social work staff with less than five years experience has increased from 67% to 74%.

“The papers also show that other staff are not receiving training, or ongoing professional development and minimal induction because of the lack of money.

“The Minister cannot expect the best possible job to be done by CYPFS when it has such a lack of experience and training,” Mr Sowry said.

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