Worker excluded from out-of-home care to safeguard children

Safeguarding children in out-of-home care is a top priority for us at the Social Services Regulator.

As part of our role to protect children, we’re also responsible for implementing the new Worker and Carer Exclusion Scheme (WCES).

This vital scheme ensures that people who pose an unjustifiable risk of harm to children and young people in Victoria’s out-of-home care system are removed from the sector.

On the 26 September 2024, a foster carer was excluded from working in out-of-home care in Victoria following an investigation and recommendation from the Social Services Regulator.

This important outcome is a positive step towards strengthening protections for our most vulnerable children.

We value the role of foster carers, and we know that most are committed to supporting children and young people to live safe and rewarding lives.

But there are a small number of foster carers who fail the children and young people in their care, and that’s where we will continue to step in.

To learn more about WCES, visit The Worker and Carer Exclusion Scheme | vic.gov.au (www.vic.gov.au)