AQW 47776/22-27 Written question to the Minister for Communities
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail any therapeutic support his Department issues child maintenance officers.
Asked by Connie Egan MLA on 3 June 2026
- Answered
- Written
- Tabled
- 3 June 2026
- Answer due by
- 18 June 2026
- Answered
- 18 June 202615 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for Communities
- Priority question
- No
Answer
The Child Maintenance Service offers therapeutic support to staff through the use of Safe Space Advocates and Mental Health First Aiders, who provide confidential, non-judgemental support and signposting to further support services if appropriate. The Child Maintenance Service also offers daily one-to-one support to staff who handle potentially difficult phone calls.
The Department also has a range of other support available for staff, including:
Welfare Support Services – Support for personal, domestic, social and work-related issues.
Lena by Inspire – Confidential 24/7 wellbeing support, including one-to-one counselling.
Work Psychology Service – includes wellbeing initiatives, Well Champions, health checks and an online Wellbeing Hub.
NICS Staff Networks – Peer support, awareness and inclusion across a range of groups.
NICS Learning and Development – Practical training and resources on stress management, resilience and wellbeing.
The Charity for Civil Servants – Wellbeing support, financial advice and potential financial assistance via self-referral.