Excessive and dangerous workloads have left Department of Child Protection workers burnt out and unable to meet the needs of children in their care adequately.

Child protection workers walked off the job on Friday morning, speaking out against the ‘broken system’ meant to protect children in need.

Union branch Secretary Rikki Hendon told Liam Bartlett on 6PR Mornings that staff have been campaigning for change for two years.

“This year, there have been 612 reported cases of child protection workloads exceeding the limit of 15 cases per worker,” she said.

“Workers have been campaigning for about two years because they are so desperate about the lack of resourcing for child protection – it’s been overwhelmed by dangerous caseloads.”

The department is desperate for resources and assistance as concerns continue growing amongst its workers that they cannot share enough of their time with the families and children who desperately need them.

Tap PLAY to hear what child protection workers are calling for from the government.