Complete the First Session Outcome Form (in related resources) within the first few visits with the family.
On Assist reord all relevant documents, including the completed matrices and questionairres. Scan into the client file the signed RPA and completed Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (if used).
Refer to chapter 2.2 Case allocations, management, transfer, requests for co-working or services and case closure if continuing or ceasing work with families who have moved outside the district boundary.
At closure of the Parent Support Service:
- Finalise the RPA.
- Make sure that all matrices have been completed.
- Update the Child Behaviour Matrix and use the matrix scores to inform the outcome recorded on Assist.
- Close off the service screen and case file.
- Record the outcome shown on the Closure Report on Assist. Ensure the closure is discussed with the parent, the referrer (if appropriate) and key agencies involved in the implementation of the RPA.
- Enter data from all completed forms, matrices, and questionnaires on Assist and scan all up to date documents to the case file.
- Close the file.
Establishing contact and visiting
Upon allocation of a case, contact the referrer to clarify expectations, and where appropriate, discuss opportunities for a joint visit of introduction with the family.
Contact the parents within four working days of receiving the case by making a phone call to arrange the first visit appointment. If the parents cannot be reached by phone, visit the home and if parents are not home, leave a card or Parent Support brochure - Information for Parents (in related resources) with contact details.
The first visit should be undertaken by two staff members. If it can be reasonably assessed that the situation is safe, further visits may be made alone. During the visit:
- Provide a description of what the Parent Support service does.
- Explain their responsibility to establish a safe working environment and the need to share information regarding any child protection issues that may arise.
- Explain the concept and use of a RPA.
- Begin to discuss the child's behaviour that led to the referral and encourage the parents to think about what they would like to achieve while engaged with the Parent Support service.
The Parent Support service is flexible and visits with the family may be conducted in the home or at agreed locations where parents feel comfortable.
Demonstrate patience, persistence and substantial and ongoing effort to engage, even where parents display reluctance. If the family is still resistant explore if there are other agencies the parents would be prepared to work with.
If engagement has not been possible, record non-engagement on Assist as either:
- unable to establish a working relationship, or
- parents not available or not engaging at appointments.
Information sharing and collaboration with agencies
Make reasonable efforts to obtain parent's consent before sharing or requesting relevant information.
Where you have been unable to obtain the parent's consent, but assess it is in the best interest of the child, relevant information may still be shared (refer to Chapter 4.2 Working with other agencies - memoranda of understanding and information sharing and s.23 and s.240 of the Children and Community Services Act 2004 (the Act).
Information or material that identifies a child or Responsible Person subject to a RPA should not be published. Refer to Chapter 3.2 Identification of Children for more information about publishing information about children in the CEO's care or previously in care.
The Parent Support service relies on the involvement of and engagement with relevant government agencies such as the Department of Education, the Department of Justice, WA Police and the Department of Health.
Keep these agencies engaged, for example via key local groups and committees, to support joint planning and coordination for clients.
Engagement and case management resources
You have access to a range of resources that support engagement with families and case management. You may use any of the following depending on the specifics of the case they are working with).
Aboriginal practice leaders and youth and family support workers
To assist in engaging with Aboriginal families, consult with an Aboriginal practice leader and work alongside Youth and Family Support Workers. For complex issues, consult with a senior practice sevelopment officer in the Specialist Child Protection Unit (SCPU).
Record all consultations on Assist. Refer to the Assist User Guide - Case Plan Consultation.
Parent Visitors
Parent visitors work with you and provide input into the development of the family's aims and the review process. They support parents to achieve the aims of the RPA by building parenting skills, role modelling, household management, routines, discipline, and linking children and young people into meaningful activities.
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) resources
When working with families from a CaLD background, consult with the Principal Policy and Planning Officer, Cultural Diversity, SCPU - eduardo.farate@communities.wa.gov.au or send an enquiry to SCPU - SpecialistChildProtectionUnitGeneralEnquiries@communities.wa.gov.au or identify local CaLD community members and leaders.
Engage interpreters when working with parents not proficient in English language.
Voluntary or compulsory income management and Liquor Restricted Premises Declaration
Where appropriate, consider using a voluntary or compulsory income management and Liquor Restricted Premises Declaration. Refer to Chapter 1.4 Alcohol and other drug issues - application for a liquor restricted premises declaration for further information.
Funding assistance
Funding assistance can be used to enhance access to specialist service providers and/or community programs. It may only be considered once all other funding sources have been explored.
Enter the request on Assist (accessible through the cost type Parent Support Costs not case support costs), identify the IFS team, and provide the rationale of why it is required and how it will address the aims of the RPA. The IFS TL is responsible for approving the request.
Data collection
Enter data from the following forms onto Assist:
Child protection concerns
If you identify concerns for the child's safety and wellbeing, be open and transparent in communicating these with the family. The Child Environment Matrix can be used to identify concerns and inform Signs of Safety meetings.
If you identify concerns relating to the possible abuse or harm of the child, immediately consult with the IFS TL and determine the most appropriate response. Use the Interaction Tool to determine if a Child Safety Investigation (CSI) is required.
If a CSI is required, the IFS TL may decide to suspend the Parent Support services until the CSI has been completed.
Closure
Develop an exit plan when the family is coming to the end of their involvement with Parent Support services. Exit planning reminds the parent that casework will not continue indefinitely, consolidate positive changes made and to institute longer term goals.
You help the family to review, acknowledge and celebrate their journey and success, and plan how to sustain any positive changes into the future.
Parents may feel anxious about the impending loss of support provided by Parent Support staff, and these feelings need to be acknowledged and respectfully discussed.
Ongoing support options should be considered. You may link the family to appropriate community supports and services before closing the case.
Use the final Child Behaviour Matrix scores to inform the outcome recorded on Assist and close off the service screen and case file.
When closing the case (irrespective of whether parents have made gains on the identified issues) contact the referrer and any other agencies that have been involved with the case to notify them of the case closure.
