Kerry Beck says it’s the “little people” who motivate her every day as a social worker.

“For me, the driver of (my career) over 30 years has been the little people and making sure that those little people who rely on us adults to make the world safe and loving for them, have the best possible life they can have," Kerry says.

"I strive every day to ensure that every single decision I make and action I take is in the best interest of children and the environments in which they exist.”

Kerry, who is the Director Safer Family Services with the Department of Human Services (DHS), began her career in her late teens as a care attendant for young people with physical disabilities.

From there she studied social sciences and then social work, progressing her career through many varied sectors.

“It became abundantly clear to me that where there are vulnerable adults, there will always be even more vulnerable children,” Kerry says.

“Through all my work I always made it a clear goal to see those children, listen to them, and respond to their needs.

“I work hard to make sure that every dollar spent in the Safer Family Services System is spent with an eye on what the children at the centre of our services need, and I spend time with staff in regional offices across SA, talking with them about what is working and what is not working, and leading and supporting them to be the best social workers they can be."

Kerry was recently recognised at the 2023 South Australia Social Worker of the Year Awards, which celebrate the tireless commitment made by social workers in often challenging and complex environments.

She received the Agent of Change Award which honours the outstanding contribution by a social worker who makes a transformative difference through organisational or systems change to individuals, families or communities.

DHS had five staff nominated across four categories at the annual awards.

For more information about the work of DHS and its programs, visit Human Services SA.