The CEO may revoke a carer's approval if not satisfied that the individual meets the competencies set out in the Regulations:
The carer is able to provide care for a child in a way that promotes the wellbeing of the child, the child's family and interpersonal relationships, and protects the child from harm.
The carer is able to provide a safe living environment for a child.
The carer is able to work cooperatively with officers, a child's family and other people when providing care for a child.
The carer is able to take responsibility for the development of his or her competency and skills as a carer.
The carer is a person of good character and repute.
 | Sound evidence must be documented for the revocation of approval of a carer. |
Concerns that led to the submission for revocation of approval as a carer must be assessed and action taken to ensure the safety of any child placed with the carer and/or the carer's children.
Examples of reasons for revocation of approval could include:
acts of violence, child maltreatment, exploitation, deprivation of liberty, unreasonable discipline, and criminal charges against the carer and/or significant others within the carer's family - especially charges involving physical violence, those of a sexual nature, or use of illegal substances
issue of a Negative Notice or Interim Negative Notice against the carer
any reasonable grounds to believe that the approval to be a carer was obtained improperly, or
persistent actions which are contrary to and undermine quality care principles and case planning decisions.
When you are involved in a case and believe that there are grounds to revoke a carer's approval, you and your team leader should consult with the senior child protection worker placement services (SCPWPS) to clarify procedures and identify information that needs to be gathered. The grounds for revocation of approval should always relate to the carer no longer meeting the required competencies or other matters set out in the Regulations. The SCPWPS may contact the Care Arrangement Hub for further advice.
You, in consultation with the SCPWPS, must prepare Form 518 - Submission for the Proposed Revocation of a Foster Carer's Approval (in related resources) for endorsement by the district director.
The submission must be accompanied by any supporting documents, for instance:
- a relevant child safety investigation (CSI)
- CSI outcome report, and
- any other reports from other work units that are relevant to the revocation, such as the Duty of Care Team.
The submission (Form 518) must be a summary, not a repeat, of all information in the supporting documentation provided.
The carer must be advised:
- if the district director (DD) recommends that the carer's approval be revoked
- of the revocation process, and
- that it may take several months before a final decision is made.
| An alert must be recorded in Assist to inform that proceedings are under way for approval of revocation. |
The DD forwards the submission (Form 518) together with supporting documentation to the General Manager (GM), Specialist Child Protection Unit for approval. The GM quality assures the information.
If the GM forms the belief that revocation of approval cannot be upheld, a clear rationale for this decision must be recorded and communicated to the relevant DD. The DD must then advise the carer and remove the alert previously recorded in Assist.
If the submission is approved, the GM sends it to the relevant Executive Director (ED) or Regional Executive Director (RED) for noting, then forwards it to General Counsel through the SharePoint Request Form page.
Complete the request form, attach required documents using the 'Add Attachment' link, and select 'Legal Mailbox' button. Then use the drop down menu and select 'Yes' to 'Submit to Legal & Business Services' at the end of the form and save it to lodge the request.
The submission must not be sent directly to the Assistant Director General.
