Child Protection Minister Simone McGurk has announced the McGowan Government will commit funding for a specialised child trauma training program delivered by the Australian Centre for Child Protection Western Australia (ACCP-WA).
The State Government, through the Department of Communities, will provide $100,000 over 12 months to support 450 scholarship opportunities for child protection practitioners and other professionals, such as police and healthcare workers, who work with children affected by trauma.
The training programs will help specialised workers enhance their knowledge and understanding of treatment needs for children and young people with complex trauma.
The ACCP – a nationally focussed centre – conducts research and professional training that helps enhance policy and practice to safeguard children. Based at the University of South Australia since 2004, the ACCP officially launched a new leading ACCP-WA branch, helping deliver local outcomes while raising the profile of WA research experts on the national stage.
The State Government previously provided $2.3 million to support the establishment of the ACCP-WA branch, operating under the leadership of Director Professor Leah Bromfield and Deputy Directors Amanda Paton and Associate Professor Melissa O’Donnell.
The funding boost for child trauma training further supports the State Government’s commitment to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. In particular, the need for high-quality workforce to provide evidence-based therapeutic services for abuse-related trauma.
Protecting children continues to be a priority for the McGowan Government. The 2022-23 State Budget allocated more than $75 million to boost frontline staff and services, along with increased investment in early intervention programs.
This record investment in child protection initiatives is helping to support historic reductions in the number of children in care.
As stated by Child Protection Minister Simone McGurk:
“Working with children impacted by trauma is some of the most difficult work imaginable, and it’s sadly something professionals in a range of industries encounter on a daily basis.
“It’s important we continue to build the skills of frontline child protection workers, police, healthcare workers and other professionals so they can strengthen their ability to help victims of child abuse.
“The establishment of the Australian Centre for Child Protection WA was a significant milestone in the State Government’s commitment to implement change following the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
“The State Government continues to deliver record investment in child protection initiatives and responses. We’re continuing to prioritise support where it’s needed and building capacity for those responding on the frontline.”
