Drug Use Identified in Berry Street Residential Care Homes, Staff Raise Exposure Concerns
Introduction
Children residing in Berry Street residential care homes located in regional Victoria and Melbourne have been observed using drugs, including methamphetamine, also known as ice. This has led to staff members expressing concerns about potential second-hand exposure within these facilities.
Staff Health Concerns and Organisational Response
In December 2024, an internal email distributed by Berry Street to staff indicated that employees at facilities in Sebastopol, Ballarat East, and Diamond Creek were concerned about their health being affected by second-hand substance exposure. The email noted staff reports of symptoms such as headaches and stress across three homes. In response, Berry Street planned to conduct surface swab testing to identify any substances present and assess potential exposure risks to staff and young people.
Subsequent testing confirmed the presence of methamphetamine on several surfaces within a residential care home in Sebastopol. On December 24, 2024, management instructed staff via email to wear face masks if young people were actively using substances, specifically methamphetamine, in close proximity. Staff were also provided with saliva drug tests for self-assessment regarding second-hand exposure before their commute home.
Former Employee Accounts and Systemic Challenges
Amber Leslie, a former residential care worker at Berry Street, who worked in the Sebastopol home where methamphetamine was identified, reported that management did not provide guidance in response to staff inquiries about protocol if workers tested positive for substances before driving. Ms. Leslie stated that she was aware of at least three instances where staff members required alternative transportation home due to feeling affected by substances.
Ms. Leslie described the use of drugs as prevalent within the residential home where she worked, stating that staff felt limited in their ability to intervene. She quoted a policy position indicating that if young people are using substances, there are not extensive actions staff can take beyond requesting them to step outside. After six years, Ms. Leslie resigned from Berry Street in May, stating in her resignation letter a belief that the organisation did not adequately prioritise the welfare of the young people in their care.
Organisational and Government Commentary
A Berry Street spokesperson stated that the organization is unable to comment on individual cases to protect the privacy of children. The spokesperson affirmed that Berry Street manages its residential care homes in accordance with established policies and departmental guidelines, and provides staff with necessary training for responding to drug use incidents.
The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing did not provide specific responses to questions concerning staff exposure to drugs.
Expert Perspectives on Residential Care
Child exploitation experts have highlighted that thousands of children go missing from residential care annually. They note that staff limitations in preventing children from leaving facilities can increase their vulnerability to sexual exploitation. Residential care homes typically serve as a last resort for children who cannot reside at home.
Professor Patrick McGorry, a psychiatrist and youth mental health expert, commented that the tolerance and availability of "highly dangerous drugs" within state care represent a "failure of the system." Professor McGorry emphasized the complexity of caring for children with substance abuse issues, advocating for increased support and resources for residential care workers. He characterized the situation as a "public policy failure" due to insufficient priority, support, and resources for this challenging group of young people.
Professor McGorry recommended a comprehensive reassessment by the state government regarding its approach to managing drug use among children in state care, advocating for a "fundamental rethink" rather than superficial solutions. He concluded that these children are "neglected by the system."
Worker Training and Support Requirements
In Victoria, residential care workers are required to possess or be actively pursuing a Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention or an equivalent qualification. Ms. Leslie stated that children in residential care often present with complex trauma, including eating disorders, mental health issues, high substance use, poly-substance use, sexual exploitation, and criminal behaviors. She expressed the view that workers are not adequately equipped to manage these issues and that requests for additional support were frequently disregarded. Ms. Leslie conveyed that frontline workers have communicated a need for further training and support from management, as they feel inadequately prepared for their roles.