“My experience has been nothing but positive”

As a JCPRP health worker, Leza works alongside NSW Police and the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Child Protection in responding to child victims of sexual and physical abuse and neglect.  

The role’s primary focus is to prioritise the emotional, psychological and health and wellbeing needs of the children referred to the program, along with their family members. 

“In most cases, I provide the initial crisis support during the family’s first engagement with the Child Abuse Squad detectives from NSW Police, which can easily be described as a very difficult moment in time for the family,” Leza said.

“My engagement with the family continues past this meeting, where I work with the family in ensuring they receive all the care and support required, often resulting in referrals to therapeutic and medical services. 

“This sees me working very closely with local sexual assault services and forensic medical examiners to ensure both therapeutic and forensic medical services are coordinated to meet the needs of the children and family, which not only results in better outcomes for them in terms of their overall wellbeing, but also promotes a sense of justice for the young person and often improves the criminal justice outcomes.”

Leza has worked in VAN for 17 years and has been in her current role for 13 of those years. Prior to that, she worked as a Sexual Assault Counsellor. In total, she has worked with MLHD for 23 years.

Among several professional highlights, Leza said becoming Albury’s first JCPRP was a standout moment. Originally, the team consisted of NSW Police and Child Protection.

“Being able to operationalise the position and establish solid working relationships with my tri agency partners has taken a lot of consistent work, and I would like to think the health role is now well embedded, respected and a valued part of the program,” she said.

There’s no doubt that VAN can be a challenging space to work in, however, Leza said she feels privileged to have spent so much time in such a fulfilling and impactful role.

“I have loved every minute of my career within health. I have found working within the VAN services profoundly rewarding, from the direct client work to addressing gender inequality through advocacy and education,” she said.

“The work can be challenging and complex at times and relies on a level of emotional resilience, however you will be part of a supportive team who share the same passion for social justice and who will champion you to become the best you can be.”

Leza believes the key to her, and the District’s, success is collaboration with stakeholders and a willingness to learn from each other.

“I have been surrounded by the most amazing people, from my health colleagues to my police and DCJ colleagues, who are all driven to support and protect our communities’ children,” she said.

“I have also learnt so much from the families I have had the privilege to support; their courage and resilience has certainly been inspiring and has contributed to my longevity in the role. 

“Being able to support the voice of a young person to tell their story, right through to supporting them toward their healing journey, is personally and professionally very meaningful work.”

With plans to retire in September after a period of long service leave, Leza has been reflecting on the changes she has seen in the field over the course of her career.

She played a role in the establishment of a locally dedicated forensic medical service and more recently, witnesses the implementation of the VAN Redesign Program and the New Street Program within MLHD.

“As a result, MLHD can now deliver a 24-hour trauma specific, integrated response to violence, abuse and neglect and domestic and family violence, along with a specialised early intervention, community-based service addressing harmful sexual behaviour in our children and young people,” Leza said.

“The work being undertaken within these programs goes a long way to help minimise the impact of trauma, support recovery and overall long-term wellbeing, along with promoting ongoing safety.

“This work also promotes positive criminal justice outcomes for our young people and their families.”

When reflecting on her career, Leza said she has always felt supported by her MLHD colleagues and management team.

“My experience has been nothing but positive. Yes, there will always be challenges, and nothing ever stays the same, but that is progress,” she said.

“Thank you to everyone who has contributed to my career within MLHD. I have been very lucky to have had such an amazing team, especially during my time within JCPRP.

‘You are all so knowledgeable, caring, and appreciative of each other.  I will truly miss you all.”