Lone workers in child and family services – caseworkers, counsellors, family support workers – are among the most vulnerable professionals in Australia. They conduct home visits, interview families in crisis, and make decisions that can provoke anger and aggression.
Key Risks:
- Physical assault: Caseworkers are regularly assaulted in the field.
- Verbal abuse and threats: Daily exposure to aggression takes a psychological toll.
- Isolation: Working alone in remote or unfamiliar locations increases vulnerability.
- Psychological trauma: Exposure to child abuse, neglect, and family violence is a daily reality.
What Can Be Done:
- Provide personal duress alarms: A GPS‑enabled alarm provides an immediate line to help.
- Implement automated check‑ins: Scheduled welfare checks that escalate if unanswered.
- Conduct regular risk assessments: Assess risks before every interaction.
- Train staff in de‑escalation: Equip workers with skills to manage volatile situations.
- Ensure adequate staffing: Understaffing increases risk.
Every child and family services worker deserves to go home safely at the end of their shift.
Explore lone worker monitoring for social workers.
Contact SafeTCard to discuss how we can support your lone workers.
