National Child Protection Week began on Sunday 1 September 2024. The week provides an opportunity to engage, educate and empower the community to understand the complexity of child abuse and neglect and how we can all work together to prevent it.
This year’s theme is “Every Conversation Matters”, emphasising the importance of dialogue in addressing child abuse and neglect.
As part of National Child Protection Week 2024 the Department of Communities is shining a light on some of the unsung heroes of our child protection system.
Our child protection workforce are at the heart of Western Australia’s child protection system and work tirelessly to keep WA for children and young people safe from harm as a result of abuse and neglect.
Emmerson is a Youth and Family Support Worker at Gnan-Gnarra (our Armadale district office) and shares her experience of working in the child protection space.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Every day looks different to the next! But my role is being out in the field supporting at-risk aboriginal youth. I also run two other programs, one is an Aboriginal reunification playgroup called Moort Waabiny which is for families whose children are close to being back home and I co-facilitate a carer, cultural support program called the Cultural Space where we lead discussions, sharing knowledge and ideas with family and foster carers about providing culturally safe care for our koolunga (children).
Who has been a great leader or mentor for you?
A great mentor for me has been Lauren Lawrence. Lauren has been a Youth and Family Support Worker for 12 years and is well-versed in at-risk youth, she is also the co-facilitator and one of the founders of the Cultural Space program and also happens to be my mum! She has always been a massive support but it's handy that she has so much experience in the role that I am doing too.
Have you worked on any passion projects?
I am passionate about the Cultural Space Program. I believe that whilst we have an overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in care and not enough First Nations carers, we need to support and educate the carers who are currently looking after our kids so they can stay connected to their culture whilst they're living away from home.
What is one of your most significant professional achievements?
One of the most significant achievements for me is knowing the positive impact I have had on a child's life. I worked with a child for 9 months before I moved roles into another area. A few years later the child made contact and asked to see me again as they wanted to thank me for supporting them with a difficult period in their life. It’s a nice feeling knowing that you’re making a difference.
What's the best piece of advice you've either received or given?
Honesty is the best policy - an oldie but a goodie. Lots of at-risk youth struggle with trusting people but if you're always honest with them, it won't take too long for them to trust you.
To learn more about the Department of Communities and Child Protection visit Child protection.
If you are passionate about keeping Western Australian children safe, visit Careers at the Department of Communities.
For more information or to register for National Child Protection Week 2024 webinars visit NAPCAN.
