Information and Instructions

• Inviting the child to use Viewpoint
• Confidentiality
• When there are safety concerns for the child
• Venue, delivery method and facilitator support
• The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in Viewpoint
• Viewpoint responses and follow-up
• Documenting Viewpoint outcomes for the care plan / review process
• Viewpoint and care plans
• Viewpoint Management Reports
• Technical assistance
• Learning Hub
• myView Basic and Sortli apps

Inviting the child to use Viewpoint

Invite and encourage children in the CEO's care aged five to 17 years of age to use Viewpoint as the first step in participating in their care planning process. Viewpoint offers three separate questionnaire options, each with different looks and components. Choose the best questionnaire for the child, according to their wishes, capacity and developmental stage.

Option 1. This version has colourful graphic screens and backgrounds, with animated avatars and speech to guide children through the questionnaire. This option is usually chosen and is designed for younger children.

Option 2. This version has the same speech facility, but without the illustrations or avatars. It has a plain survey-style look and is usually chosen and designed for older children and young people.

Option 3. This version has simple questions and symbols which is generally utilised when the child or young person has a high level of support and facilitation. 


Consider including relevant information provided by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and children from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) background into their Cultural Support Plan (CSP). Ask the child if they have additional information they would like included in their CSP, that might not have been asked in the Viewpoint questionnaire.

The questionnaires focus on the child's views, concerns and experiences, and identify issues that require further examination and reflection in follow up discussions between you and the child.  Wherever possible, identify and discuss solutions and actions with the child, in preparation for the development of the care plan.


If the child does not undertake the questionnaire, record why they did not want to and what efforts you have made to contact and engage the child. Record this information in a case note on Objective, as well as the Viewpoint program, using the child's unique login details which are recorded in the Child Information Portal (CIP). 

To do this, follow these steps:


1. Log into Viewpoint by entering CPFS2016 in the box titled 'Organisation'. Use the young person's unique log-in code in 'Login ID' box and the 'Password' box. 'Click 'Log in' to start.  

2. Click the green 'start' button on the homepage. 

3. This will take you to the 'Self-Assessment' page and will ask you which version you would like to use. Select either version and it will take you to the terms and conditions screen. 

4.  Select 'no' in the terms and conditions screen.

5.  You will be asked to select a reason for not accepting in a drop-down box. Select the most appropriate answer, according to the conversations you have had with the child.

The Viewpoint questionnaire will remain available for the young person if they wish to do one in the future.


Top

Confidentiality

Explain to the child that their privacy is very important and that responses to Viewpoint questions will be kept confidential between them and Department staff. Responses will not be shared outside of the Department without the child's permission except where there is reason to believe they may be at risk of harm and/or in need of protection.

Information gathered as part of the Viewpoint questionnaire (not the responses themselves) can be raised in care planning meetings. This information could include what the child feels is working well in their care arrangement and other areas of their lives, any issues they are struggling with and any suggestions the child has for change.

Before sharing this information at a care planning meeting, confirm with the child what information they are and are not happy to share. In situations where the child is unsure about how to raise difficult conversations, work with the child and the Chair of the care planning meeting to negotiate a plan the child is comfortable with.

If the child wishes for certain information to be kept private, and there are no safety concerns or other reasons why that information should be shared, keep it confidential. You should not share information with anyone else (for example, with their family or carers) without the child's agreement, unless it is necessary to prevent significant harm to the child or others, or as required or allowed by law (for example, if files were to be subpoenaed by a Court).

Responses are also collated and used by the Department for feedback and to improve services, but this information is anonymised to respect the privacy of the child. 





Top

When there are safety concerns for the child

If the child makes a disclosure of abuse or raises concerns about the child's immediate safety, you must consult with your team leader (TL) before you leave the child.  If you learn about a disclosure or allegation of abuse when reviewing the Viewpoint questionnaire, consult with your TL as soon as possible.

In both instances, work with the TL to ensure the immediate safety of the child and that the child has access to a medical assessment and/or treatment if required.


Once immediate safety for the child has been secured, work with your TL to plan:

• what information will be provided to the carers, parents and family
• how this information will be shared
• what actions should be taken next, and
• if a new assessment / investigation is required. 

You and your TL should consider if a Child Assessment Interview or a Forensic/Specialist Child Interview is required. This will depend on the nature of the disclosure, when the alleged incident took place and the identity of the person alleged to have harmed the child. For more information, refer to the following entries: 

• 1.4 Suicide and Self Harm
  
• 2.1 Responding to concerns for child in care - overview
  
• 2.1 Responding to concerns for child in care - standard of care concerns
  
• 2.1 Responding to concerns for child in care - allegations of abuse in care
  
• 2.1 Responding to concerns about employees.
  

Top

Venue, delivery method and facilitator support

Each child has their own unique Viewpoint login.  This is displayed in the CIP and Needs Assessment Tool (NAT) pages in Assist.

Viewpoint Self-Assessment questionnaires can be delivered to children in a variety of ways:


1. Online using a Department computer or laptop.
   

2. Online or offline using a Viewpoint iPad in any location.
   

3. Online using any computer with an internet connection, for example at school, in the care arrangement, in a public library or internet cafe.
   

4. Online using a child's personal device, for example, a mobile phone.
   

All except option 4 can be delivered with support from a facilitator.  Step by step guides for using each option are in Viewpoint User Guides (in related resources).


For regional and remote areas with limited or no internet, responses can be given offline on an iPad.  The questionnaire should be downloaded beforehand (via an internet connection) and responses are subsequently uploaded when the internet is available. If the young person has a mobile phone and they are old enough to manage the process without support or interference, you can send them login details and they can input their responses on the phone. You can also log into the Viewpoint database using the young person's credentials, then ask questions over the phone and enter the responses yourself.  Paper versions of all questionnaires are available in the Viewpoint User Guides Library; however, the non-digital alternatives are not as effective at engaging young people as indirect communication, i.e. when the young person can enter the Viewpoint responses themselves.

Before setting up a Viewpoint session for a child, you should:


1. assist the child to decide how and where they will be most comfortable completing the questionnaire

2. determine whether the child needs a facilitator to support them when completing their questionnaire, or whether they have the skills and maturity to do it independently on their personal device. It is not appropriate for people other than the Department facilitator to be present when the child gives their responses as it can undermine confidentiality

3. determine which questionnaire is most appropriate for the child's capacity and developmental stage, and whether online or offline delivery method is most appropriate.

4. determine if the child has any communication barriers such as disability and/or if they need an interpreter. If so, speak with the child and their care team about how best to overcome these communication barriers.
   

Where a facilitator is required, you may take this role yourself or arrange for an independent facilitator, so that the child feels comfortable to express their thoughts and feelings.  The independent facilitator should be someone known to the child; it may be another child protection worker, a family resource employee, or any other employee who has received Viewpoint training.  It is not appropriate for foster carers or agency staff to undertake this role. 

Facilitators should:


• assist the child to access the questionnaire using their designated user login

• provide any other support or assistance the child may need to help them understand the questions and give their chosen responses

• provide emotional and practical support to the child (e.g. providing earbuds for privacy), and

• consult immediately with the TL if the child provides concerning responses in relation to their safety, or the safety of others. Work with the TL to create a safety plan and provide support for the child. 
  




Some children are not able to complete the whole questionnaire but should be encouraged to do as much as they can. They can complete the questionnaire in two sessions by logging out for a break and completing it later or on another day.  Where a child cannot finish in one sitting, document this in a case note and state when the next session is scheduled. If the child advises they do not want to complete the questionnaire, this should also be entered into the Viewpoint Hub.




Top

The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in Viewpoint

The SDQ is a brief emotional and behavioural screening questionnaire. Its goal is to capture the perspective of the child in relation to specific attributes across five areas:

• Emotional symptoms

• Conduct problems
  

• Hyperactivity/inattention

• Peer relationship problems

• Prosocial behaviour

The information gained from the SDQ can help you determine if the child requires additional support to meet their psycho-social developmental milestones and can provide a snapshot in time to inform you if there is a current need for further assessment or intervention.  

All children in the CEO's care must be assessed and offered appropriate treatment and counselling to address the effects of trauma and other emotional and related behavioural difficulties. Part of this assessment should include the provision of the SDQ for children aged four years and older, once they have been in the CEO's care for six months (or sooner if they are settled in the care arrangement), and then on an annual basis. The SDQ can be completed before the care plan review or at one of the quarterly care visits during the year. 


Where any child or young person has a total score above 13 request a psychologist consult. 


For further information on SDQs refer to the Viewpoint User Guides - Strengths and Difficulties or in related resources, or speak to the district psychologist.

Top

Viewpoint responses and follow-up

You must:  review Viewpoint Self-Assessment responses as soon as possible and at least within two working days of a questionnaire being done, and  meet one-on-one with the chidl to offer them a copy of their responses, explore and reflect upon the issues raised in the questionnaire, and generate potential solutions or actions.

As soon as practicable after receiving the child's responses, consider the content and identify the most appropriate person to follow up with the child.  In most cases, this will be you unless, for example, where the child has disclosed difficulties with you in the questionnaire responses.


This is important to:

• identify any safety concerns
• look at any matters that require urgent intervention, and 
• take any necessary action (if required).

Web reports displaying up to four sets of questionnaire responses from individual young people are available to view and print in the CIP and NAT screen in Assist.

You and/or the Viewpoint administrator have responsibility for generating an electronic copy of the web report and storing it in the Child History File in Objective, and for printing a paper copy and placing it on the hard copy Child History File. Ensure there is a clear decision made about who will complete this. 


Top

Documenting Viewpoint outcomes for the care plan / review process

The views and proposed solutions or actions discussed in the follow-up with the child should be summarised and communicated to the Chair, according to the wishes and views of the child. These, as much as possible, should determine the content and way the information is shared with the Chair of the care planning meeting and with other care team members.

Where applicable, compare the child's Viewpoint responses with previous questionnaire responses shown on the web report to measure progress and identify areas of ongoing concern from the child's perspective.


Top

Viewpoint and care plans

Each child should be encouraged to participate in the care planning process so their views and experiences form part of the discussion, regardless of whether they have undertaken a Viewpoint questionnaire. This is also true for their Cultural Support Plan (CSP).

Record how the child has had input into the care plan and CSP at other times before it is approved by a TL. The child should be encouraged to talk about their views, their successes, concerns, proposed solutions and actions themselves. In circumstances where the child does not want to or does not have the capacity to engage in care planning discussions, it is the responsibility of the Chair to reflect the child's views and wishes.

Make sure the child has provided consent to share information or, is at least, aware of what information the Chair has been provided. It is the Chair's responsibility to ensure this information is communicated appropriately, sensitively and, wherever possible, according to the child's wishes. As much as possible, the child should be included in the process of decision-making around proposed solutions and actions, and how these can be appropriately documented.  See Chapter 3.4 Care planning for further information.


Where a child has not completed a Viewpoint Self-Assessment questionnaire, the Chair should check that they were given the opportunity and encourage them to use Viewpoint as part of their next care plan process.   This information should be recorded in the child's care plan.

Top

Viewpoint Management Reports

Viewpoint Management Reports provide collective feedback from each child in the CEO's care and can make a critical contribution to their genuine participation, and the improvement of services and outcomes.

Viewpoint Management Reports can be filtered to display specific cohorts, for example, by districts, age group, or gender, or by cultural background or care arrangement type.  

Data used to form management reports updates every time new questionnaire responses are uploaded to the Viewpoint data base. These reports do not identify individuals, therefore may be shared with other groups - foster carer groups, CREATE, and other service providers (as appropriate) to promote and improve outcomes.


Managers (including TLs, senior practice development officers and district management teams) should use the aggregated data in Viewpoint Management Reports to access collective feedback from children in the CEO's care as a way of monitoring workers' participation and performance and operational and strategic planning processes.

Viewpoint Administrators in each district can generate these reports.

Top

Technical assistance

For advice and technical assistance about Viewpoint software, contact your Assist district mentor, or the Viewpoint Helpdesk via email: helpdesk@vptorg.com

For problems with hardware (Viewpoint iPads) contact the IT Helpdesk: 1800 898 078.

Top

Learning Hub

The Learning Hub provides information about the Viewpoint program, policy and research, Viewpoint in practice in various jurisdictions, and a series of 'How do I?' videos showing how to use the software. 

You can also access workshops and view video feedback from staff and young people from WA and elsewhere in the world.  Site content is password protected. 

To request a password, email heulwyn@vptorg.com. 

Full information can be found in the Care Team Approach Practice Framework and the Viewpoint Learning Hub.


Top

myView Basic and Sortli apps

Young people can install myView and Sortli apps on their own iOS or Android devices. The apps can be found in the App Store (Apple) and the Google Play store (Android) and downloaded for free. 


Both apps have been installed on all Department work phones. Familiarise yourself with the apps so you can support and recommend them to young people.

myView


The myView app offers new pathways for young people in the CEO's care to connect with their care teams about day-to-day matters and to contact other people in the Department, such as the Advocate and the Complaints Management Unit. It is hoped that using the app will make it easier for young people to seek assistance, and to be supported by the Department.

The app offers general relevant information for young people in the CEO's care, emergency contact details and a digital memory box that allows them to securely store photos and memories throughout their time in care.

The app has a 'read aloud' function to ensure all young people can access it, even when they have literacy difficulties.

In order to log in, the young person will need to enter 'cpfs2016' in the space for 'Organisation'; and use their unique Viewpoint User ID for both the Login and password boxes. Sign-in is only required once if there is adequate security on the device.

For more information on how to navigate the app, see the factsheet myView and Sortli apps on smartphones (in related resources).

Sortli

The Sortli app is named for the phrase 'sort out your life' and is managed by the CREATE foundation. The goal of the app is to provide young people who are in the CEO's care, transitioning out or who have left the CEO's care, with a confidential information portal to help them manage practical life challenges. It has information, step-by-step guides and short video clips on:

• finding a job
• managing and budgeting money
• securing a rental property
• managing health needs
• getting a driver's license, and
• getting legal advice and knowing your rights.

Encourage young people aged 15 years and older to access the app. The short social media clip 'Andre chats Sortli and how it can help you in your time of need', may be useful to share.


Top