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About the program
Applications for the Switch to Child Protection program are closed.
Any future updates about the program will be posted on this webpage.
This program is an opportunity to get the qualifications you need while working in child protection with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.
If your application is successful, you will:
- study a Graduate Certificate in Child Protection at La Trobe University
- work 2 days per week as an Advanced Child Protection Practitioner (CPP4) while you study
- receive a full-time wage.
After completing the graduate certificate, you will stay on as a full-time Advanced Child Protection Practitioner (CPP4).
Key dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications opened | 9:00 am Monday, 2 February 2026 |
| Applications closed | 11:59 pm Monday, 23 March 2026 |
Interviews and assessments | Tuesday, 7 April 2026 to Friday, 24 April 2026 |
| Application outcome | Friday, 12 June 2026 |
| Induction to the department | Monday, 29 June to Friday, 10 July 2026. Full-time hours |
| Start graduate certificate and 2-day per week employment | Monday, 13 July 2026 |
| Lectures and tutorials finish | Friday 9 October 2026 |
| Start full-time employment | Monday, 12 October 2026 |
| Graduate certificate finishes | Sunday, 25 October 2026 |
| Payment of incentive | 12 months from commencing full-time employment |
Contact us
If you have a query, please email childprotectionjobs@dffh.vic.gov.au