Specialist Workers for Children and Young People Outcomes Evaluation

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice commissioned a research team from the Social Policy Research Centre to undertake an outcomes evaluation of Specialist Workers for Children and Young People (SWCYP) affected by domestic and family violence. The consensus view among stakeholders consulted was that dedicated funding is needed for Specialist Workers for CYP engaged with specialist homelessness services. Funding homelessness services to provide specialist support to accompanied children also enables a more holistic, trauma-informed, and preventative response to CYP who have experienced or witnessed domestic and family violence. The evaluation made 10 recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of the SWCYP. The NSW Department of Communities and Justice supports the 10 recommendations presented in the evaluation report, and is working on addressing each recommendation into the SWCYP program.