Bernie Geary

The Commissioner for Child Safety in Victoria is Bernie Geary OAM.

One of the primary functions of the Child Safety Commissioner in Victoria is to monitor the quality of services received by children in the care of the state. These children are vulnerable because of the substantial levels of trauma they have suffered which has been caused by severe abuse and/or neglect.

We, as a community, now know a lot more about the devastating physical and emotional impact such trauma can have on the wellbeing, growth, normal development and the life opportunities of these children.

It is critical that skilled, loving care backed up by a range of professional interventions is carefully brought to bear to assist these children heal, recover and continue to grow. Clinical research gives us hope that receiving fundamental and sound care, supported by appropriate professional services, can make a difference in assisting even the most damaged children achieve happier lives and brighter futures.

It is vital that all our caring and professional efforts help these children to return to the mainstream community and have good, fulfilling lives into adulthood. If children are to thrive, they need to develop supportive networks and friendships.

We are keen to promote, energetic, persistent and creative approaches collaboratively across the professional and broader community to help prepare these children to identify opportunities and work with them to engage and sustain community connections that have potential for friendship and precious human-to-human connections.

The Tee Up For Kids Foundation can play an invaluable role in this process.

Regards,

Bernie Geary,
Child Safety Commissioner