Public Service Association (PSA) members have raised some significant concerns in relation to Special Investigations. Specifically, members who have been cleared of any wrong doing or who are subjected to false allegations.

Whilst the PSA strongly agrees that the safety of children in care is paramount and allegations of abuse must not be treated lightly, the current process does not ensure members are not disadvantaged once an "abuse not confirmed", allegations are proved false, or a minor "care concern" result has been allocated to an investigation.

Members deserve better support from their employer. Members are at risk every day and yet continue to perform a remarkable job ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children.

The PSA has written to the Department for Families and Communities and to the Special Investigations Unit seeking to make amendments to the current special investigation process.

At this point there are two amendments being sought. These are:

1. When a worker is identified to be subject to a Special Investigation, that worker is deemed to be a Sensitive Client on the JIS system.

2. Once an investigation is complete and the finding is "no abuse confirmed" or a minor "care concern" identified, the worker's name is no longer connected to the case and is, instead, replaced with the worksite in which the allegations occurred

A meeting with DFC and Special Investigations Unit representatives has been requested. The PSA will advise members of any outcome.

If you have any questions, please contact your Worksite Representative or PSA Industrial Officer Jean-Guy Townsend on 8205 3233 or email jgt@cpsu.asn.au.

PSA WORKING FOR MEMBERS IN FAMILIES SA