NT child protection workers receive tablet devices

Frontline child protection workers are receiving mobile tablet devices to help them create safer communities.

These devices are designed to help them make more informed decisions in the field and access essential programs and systems.

Better access to information in the field is a recommendation from the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the NT.

“Every child deserves a home that is safe and nurturing, and this is why the Territory Labor Government is investing $229 million over five years to overhaul our child protection and youth justice systems,” said Minister for Territory Families Dale Wakefield.

“We are prioritising preventative measures by providing families with the right support early on, as well as ensuring that we boost our services to vulnerable children and their families right across the Territory.”

220 staff members across Territory Families — including Aboriginal community workers, child protection practitioners, case support workers, youth workers, carer services practitioners and transition from care officers — will receive a HP Windows 10 mobile tablet device.

The full rollout of the mobile devices will take three months. This will also include face-to-face training. The devices can also be used offline and can connect to the network even when there is no mobile coverage.

“Investing in mobile tablets for our frontline child protection staff will enable them to access client information whenever and wherever, which will allow frontline staff to make more informed decisions,” said Wakefield.

”It will also improve efficiency, which means that they can spend more time with vulnerable children and their families.

“Along with this investment in mobile tablet devices, the Territory Labor Government is also investing $66.9 million over five years for a new client information system that will link with health and police databases to allow for coordinated action, and ultimately enable better protection of children from abuse and improve youth justice.”

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/au/AnsonLu

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