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When a carer tests positive for COVID-19

Last Modified: 25-Jul-2023 Review Date: N/A

 ‭(Hidden)‬ Legislation

Overview

This entry provides guidance on supporting care arrangements when carers contract COVID-19.

Refer to WA.gov.au Latest Updates for the current public health and social measures regarding masks, social distancing, and access to hospitals, aged and disability care facilities. 

When working with other organisations and agencies, work collaboratively.  Communicate with them to check how their day-to-day functioning is being affected, and their requirements for working safely.  Be mindful when undertaking case management tasks, including safety planning, that other agencies' regular provision of services may be impacted and take this into consideration in making your plans.

Refer to COVID-19 Recording in Assist in related resources for information on recording.

You  should consider this guidance with all approved information provided on the following sites

Rules
Your safety and the safety and wellbeing of children, parents and families who come into contact with the Department must be the focus and priority in all interactions

For any matters or actions in your work that relate to the potential transmission or diagnosis of COVID-19 you should:

  • consult your line manager
  • escalate issues to your district director as required, and
  • ensure accurate recording, including documenting rationales for the cancellation of activities/actions.

You must continue to refer to all usual practice guidance contained in Casework Practice Manual entries, except where an item on this page overrides guidance outlined in that entry.

The Department must continue to deliver critical essential services to the community.

Information and Instructions

  • When a carer tests positive for COVID-19
  • Maintaining the care arrangement
  • When a carer is too unwell to continue the care arrangement
  • When a carer tests positive for COVID-19

    For information on who must be notified and how to minimise transmission, refer to entry 'Suspected cases of COVID-19'.

    You must confirm if any other person in the household has tested positive or is showing symptoms, including any children in the CEO's care who have been placed with the family.

    You must support the carer to seek medical attention for any children in the care arrangement who  are showing symptoms. For information on getting a COVID-19 test, refer to HealthyWA and Department of Health websites.

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    Maintaining the care arrangement

    It is important to maintain the care arrangement to minimise disruption and anxiety for the child. Staying in a familiar, family environment will provide stability and security for the child. Unless the carer requires hospitalisation, any child placed in the home should remain in the care arrangement. This will also support quarantine protocols to minimise potential transmission.

    Establish what supports the carer and family might need to comply with medical advice and quarantine requirements, for example, access to medication and groceries.

    Maintain contact with the carer and their family via email, phone and/or skype to ensure they have the essentials they require and to monitor the recovery of any persons in the home.

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    When a carer is too unwell to continue the care arrangement

    Care arrangements should only be changed if the carer and/or other responsible persons in the household are too unwell to meet the child's day-to-day care needs.

    Before considering a change to the child's care arrangement, consider if there are supports or assistance which could be provided (in the short term) to maintain the care arrangement.

    If the carer is hospitalised and there are no other responsible persons in the household able to meet the child's day-to-day care needs, you must notify the district director immediately.

    Complete a Care Arrangement Referral and notify the Care Arrangement Hub that an urgent temporary care arrangement is required as the carer requires urgent medical care as a result of COVID-19. Any temporary care arrangement found will need to implement safety precautions to minimise potential transmission. Refer to Chapter 3.1 Short break care for further guidance. 

    You must record this on the case and carer files.

    You must modify the Care Plan to reflect the change in care arrangement and notify the child's parents.

    Refer to Chapter 3.4 Care planning for further information.

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Related Resources

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