This new, collaborative strategic partnership will strengthen existing relationships between Territory Families and CDU while increasing the number of qualified full-time frontline child protection workers.
Territory Families Chief Executive Officer Ken Davies said the new agreement will provide valuable experience and placement opportunities for students, while increasing the numbers of qualified Territory Families staff.
“Under this new agreement, we will be able to offer five scholarships to students, including three for Aboriginal students,’’ Mr Davies said.
“We will also be able to offer 25 permanent, full-time graduate positions for graduates who studied social work or psychology with Territory Families each year. This will work to increase the number of qualified frontline child protection practitioners in the Northern Territory.
“This partnership also allows CDU students studying social work, community services and psychological science to obtain valuable field placements with Territory Families in frontline child protection, policy, central intake or youth justice roles.
“The Territory Families and CDU Collaborative Agreement is costing more than $3.5million and aims to meet the need for well-trained professionals and high quality research in the Northern Territory for the long-term”.
As a result, Territory Families and CDU will collaborate and invest in the areas of:
Research, Evaluation and Reviews – Work collaboratively to implement strategies to meet research and evaluation requirements of Territory Families.
Workforce Development – Deliver a range of activities to improve employment and career opportunities and students workplace experiences within Territory Families.
Training – Deliver and implement training programs and educational pathways and opportunities for Territory Families.
Education – Work collaboratively to identify teaching and learning activities to support the educational and work aspirations of Territorians, including opportunities for young people in and transitioning from the care of Territory Families Chief Executive Officer.
Mr Davies said the agreement was a win for not only Territory Families and CDU but children, families and communities in the Northern Territory.
“The new agreement aligns our priorities and identifies opportunities to address mutual interests and needs across the areas of recruitment, education, training, workforce development and research. This will benefit not only Territory Families and CDU, but the broader community itself.
The Vice-Chancellor of CDU, Professor Simon Maddocks, said the agreement put to best use the financial and human resources of the NTG and CDU to deliver outstanding outcomes for Territorians.
“This agreement provides a model that could be employed by other NTG departments in conjunction with CDU to continue to build vital services and a specialised workforce for the Territory,” Professor Maddocks said.
Territory Families media contact:
Amy Sloan
89995082