Information and Instructions

• Young people who identify as sexuality and gender diverse
• Supporting young people in the CEO’s care
• Care planning
• Transgender considerations including medical intervention
• Information sharing
• Discrimination, acute distress and suicide risk
• Abuse related to sexuality and gender diverse identities
• Intersecting identities

Young people who identify as sexuality and gender diverse

Young people who feel attracted to people outside the heterosexual "norm", or who are questioning their gender, can feel an additional sense of confusion and many face discrimination directly related to this. A person's gender is a deeply felt sense of being male, female, both, in between, or neither. The young person should be reassured that they will be respected and supported, regardless of their sexuality and/or gender.

Create a safe and inclusive space when working with children, young people, parents, and family members who identify as sexuality or gender diverse. The following considerations can help to create a safe space:

• Encourage workers and/or primary support people to complete training and/or education in relation to sexuality and gender diverse issues. The Proud Communities Hub Learning and Employment page is a great starting point. 
  

• Ask for a person's preferred pronoun and use this consistently. This might be she/her, he/him or they/them. It is important that workers and participants understand the potential harm that can occur from misgendering. Refer to the document Misgendering Harms: The Health of Trans Individuals for further information.

• Encourage young people to ask questions about sexuality and/or gender if they feel confused. If you are unsure, tell the young person you will come back to them with an answer. It is important to provide correct and evidenced-based responses. 

• Address any anti-LGBTIQA+ language as soon as it occurs. This is a form of bullying and should not be accepted in a safe space.

• Never 'out' a young person against their wishes. A young person should be supported to decide who they invite into conversations about their sexuality and/or gender identity. 
  

• Explain that you want to support the young person and ask what is needed from you to achieve this goal.
  

• Do not refer to a young person's sexuality and gender diversity as a 'disorder'. This is both factually incorrect and ethically inappropriate. Gender dysphoria replaced the term gender identity disorder to address this inaccuracy and only refers to people who experience clinically significant distress related to gender identity. Many young people who identify as trans who are gender fluid do not experience gender dysphoria.
  

• Remember that "coming out" as sexuality and gender diverse is not necessarily a difficult process. If the young person is surrounded by supportive adults and peers, the process can be celebratory and positive. 
  

As the young person starts to develop intimate partner relationships, provide them with adequate information to ensure their relationships are safe and based on informed consent. Young people will develop their own sexuality at their own pace and may engage in relationships at differing ages. Refer to Chapter 1.1 Sexually active young people for further information.







For more information refer to the:

• Western Australian Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex Health Strategy 2019 - 2024 
• the Department's 'Beyond 2020 - WA Youth Action Plan 2020 - 22', and 
• LGBTIQ+ Health Australia. 

All in related resources.


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Supporting young people in the CEO’s care

If you are working with a young person who identifies as sexuality and gender diverse and you do not feel equipped or able to provide the level of support they require, consult with your Team Leader immediately. Your Team Leader can link you in with training and create an appropriate support plan. The Department offers LGBTIQA+ awareness and ally training.

Young people in the CEO's care who identify as sexuality and gender diverse experience additional risk factors in relation to poor mental health and social outcomes. It is important to recognise that these mental health issues are usually not related to the young person's gender identity and/or sexuality, but to the discrimination and social isolation they experience because of their identity. To manage these risks, work with the young person to:


• identify who amongst their family and friends can be relied upon to provide consistent support and encouragement

• consider a referral to the Perth Children's Hospital Gender Diversity Service where appropriate

• identify support services including counselling or sexuality and gender diverse specific services such as the Freedom Centre or  Headspace services 'Qheadspace' and sexuality and gender support

• develop strategies to manage discrimination and/or difficulties related to their sexuality or gender identity, both in general but also regarding significant others to the young person, and

• determine how their care team can help meet their specific needs and if care planning meetings can be used to raise issues in a manner that feels safe and supportive, e.g., discussing changes to their pronoun or name to reflect their gender identity. 
  

There are fewer professional support services available for young people who identify as sexuality and gender diverse in regional and remote areas. Advise the young person of useful online resources and connections, and ensure they have safe access to the internet.   A useful resource is Queer Out Here: LGBTQIA+ Inclusion in Regional and Rural Schools by Minus18, which explores what it means to be an sexuality and gender diverse student in regional Australia.




Consider supporting young people in the CEO's care to observe and/or participate in days that promote inclusivity and equality. This can be particularly important in regional and remote areas where young people can feel more isolated and can benefit from being part of the LGBTIQA+ community. Refer to the Youth Pride Network for further information on supporting and empowering sexuality and gender diverse young people. 





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Care planning

​Care planning is an opportunity for a young person in the CEO's care to discuss concerns and actively participate in decision-making processes.

Some members of the young person's care team may include people with different opinions and feelings about the young person's gender and/or sexuality. You must ensure the process remains focused on the best interests of the young person and keep the environment positive and respectful. If there are any concerns that a care planning meeting may not feel safe for a young person, the following planning should occur prior to the meeting:

• Advise participants of the young person's preferred gender pronoun and the importance of using this.

• If the young person has chosen a new first name, advise the participants to use this name. Wherever possible, Assist should be updated to reflect this name.

• Advise participants that discrimination and abuse of any kind will not be tolerated and if it continues, you may have to ask individuals to leave or to stop the meeting.

• Organise a way for the young person to indicate to the Chair if they they need an immediate break, for example, if they are feeling overwhelmed, distressed ir unsafe. 
  

• Determine if there are any issues/conversations that are "off the table" and should not be discussed.

If a care planning meeting becomes an unsafe environment and/or the young person feels distressed, stop the meeting and remind everyone of their responsibility to support the young person. If these issues continue, you may need to cease the meeting and reconvene later or ask specific individuals to leave. In these instances, it is important to allow the young person to debrief with you or another supportive person after the meeting to ensure the child is aware that:

• they are loved and supported

• they did nothing wrong

• although everyone is trying to learn and sometimes people can take longer than others, this is never an excuse for discrimination and abuse, and

• they can work with their child protection worker to find a way for care planning meetings to feel safer for them.

You must document this process, including if the decision is made to cease the meeting or to make specific decisions outside of the care planning space due to the young person's wishes and safety. Refer to Chapter 3.4 Care planning for further information.

Encourage the young person to use Viewpoint as an opportunity to raise any worries, concerns or complaints they have. Refer to Chapter 3.4 Viewpoint for further information. 


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Transgender considerations including medical intervention

You must ensure the young person has access to appropriate medical care if they are experiencing acute distress related to gender and/or they are considering medical intervention to change their gender or to delay puberty. Refer to the Child and Adolescent Health Gender Diversity Service  (GDS) which provides support from a multi-disciplinary team, including a paediatric endocrinologist, psychiatrist, gynaecologist, speech pathologist and clinical nurse to the young person. The young person will also have access to fertility preservation counselling. If the young person is in a regional or remote area, the service may also be able to provide support remotely or refer to an appropriate local medical service.

Each young person is different, and their options will be dependent on their unique circumstances and wishes.

There are various medical and social interventions available to young people wishing to transition. Refusing to offer any treatment to a young person is not considered a neutral option and may exacerbate the young person's distress in various ways. Medical interventions have differing side effects, and some are considered irreversible, so it is important that the young person has adequate medical and psychological support before any decisions are made.





When working with a young person in the CEO's care who identifies as transgender/gender diverse, you must consider what discussions and decisions should be made in the care planning space. These decisions must be driven by the young person in a safe and positive environment.




There are several gender-affirming actions requiring no or minimal medical interventions that can provide significant support to a young person. Where issues such as chest binding, tucking and use of pronouns can be discussed openly and positively, the young person will not have to deal with secrecy and shame that can accompany these processes. Chest binding and tucking should only be done under medical guidance.

Where the young person is hesitant to seek medical advice, you should promote safer alternatives which avoid taping including wearing multiple comfortable layers, compression sports bras, layering tights, and bigger clothes. You should reassure the young person that their identity is still just as valid if they do not bind or tuck. The young person can be linked-in with appropriate professional supports and seek support from their care team when they have questions or worries.


Some approval processes for actions/interventions below are described in the Australian Standards of Care and Treatment Guidelines: For trans and gender diverse children and adolescents:

Each young person will have a different journey with gender affirming care and there are likely to be queries that arise that are not covered below. Regional Executive Director approval must be sought where the decisions are complex and/or controversial. In some circumstances the Regional Executive Director may wish to elevate a decisions tot he Executive Director of Service Delivery or above.







​Action or Intervention	​Considerations
​ Change of name and pronouns   First names can be changed on Assist without the need for a formal change of name. Additionally, a young person can have their name changed legally by registration. Risks: None identified. Additional considerations: Prior to leaving the CEO's care, you must ensure a young person has appropriate identification. It can be distressing and confusing for a young person who has several identification items with different names or where their identification shows their "deadname".	​ If the young person wishes to be called by a new name to affirm their gender identity, you should change their name on Assist. Use the 'add name' function in the Person Details section.   If the child is Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, you must consult with an Aboriginal Practice Leader, particularly where the name change is formal and if there are special cultural considerations related to the name. The District Director can consent to change of name by registration, but if contentious, this request is to be forwarded to the relevant Executive Director or Regional Executive Director of Service Delivery. Refer to 3.2 Change of Name by Registration for further information.
​Legal change of gender  A person can legally change their gender in WA, in accordance with the Gender Reassignment Act 2000 (WA). If permission is granted by the Gender Reassignment Board (Board), a young person will be legally recognised as their reassigned gender in all matters, can have their birth certificate amended, and will be protected against discrimination on the basis of their gender history under the Western Australia discrimination law.	A young person who is under 18 years old cannot apply to the Board directly. A parent or guardian, such as the CEO or their delegate, needs to apply on the young person's behalf. You must seek legal advice from Legal and Business Services (via Legal Request Form) before applying to the Board. There are strict rules related to applying for gender reassignment and the young person must demonstrate that they have undergone a gender 'reassignment procedure'.
​Speech pathology: A speech pathologist can support the young person to explore their voice and communication style as they transition. This can occur with or without hormone affirming therapy which causes biological changes to the young person's voice. Risks: No physical risks noted.	​ If the young person is assessed as Gillick competent, the child should make decisions about allied health intervention Usual procedures should be followed in relation to seeking remedial treatment if there is no significant conflict regarding this decision.
​Genital "tucking" This involves a young person tucking their testes and penis in a genital cavity to hide the genital bulge through clothing. Risks: This is generally painless but if done incorrectly may cause discomfort, testicular complaints, tissue and muscle damage, an increased risk of urinary tract infections and chaffing. There has been minimal research on the long-term effects of tucking.	​It is the young person’s decision to tuck, however, the young person should be supported to seek medical advice about how to do so safely.
​Chest binding Medical advice should be sought prior to chest binding to ensure the young person has access to a properly fitted binder and is aware of the need for "off-days/times". Risks: Minimal risks are likely if the young person follows medical advice when binding. If binding improperly or without medical advice, symptoms may include damaged breast tissue, back pain, breathing difficulties, chaffing, bruising and pain.	The primary decision for chest binding should come from the young person. This should be documented on the child's file. Refer to the Gillick Principle for further information. If there is disagreement regarding this process, consultation with the Team Leader is required. The Team Leader can provide approval for funds to purchase a binder specifically designed for trans people. These are generally the safest and most effective option.
​Stage 1 - Puberty suppression with gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist Injection of gonadotrophin releasing hormones (GnRH) to suppress the onset of puberty. This medication can mitigate intense distress (gender dysphoria) experienced by some young people triggered by the onset of puberty as their body develops secondary sexual characteristics, such as breasts or a deepening voice. Puberty will commence once the medical intervention ceases. Risks: Generally considered reversible but should only be used for several years at a time as the treatment may reduce bone density. This is a medical treatment that requires intensive medical supervision. Additional considerations: Consideration of puberty suppression treatment should be made early, where the young person has indicated they wish to proceed with gender-affirming treatment. The treatment is time-sensitive and significant distress and long-term difficulties can result if a young person does not have access to the treatment prior to the development of secondary sexual characteristics. GDS will triage and provide more urgent access if highly distressed and about to/or is starting puberty, the process includes a lengthy assessment process and the service has long-waitlists.	​ Where a young person is in the CEO's care, the Children and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) policy position is that court authorisation [Family Court] is required. Where a young person is not in the CEO's care, the CAHS policy position is that court authorisation is also required where there is disagreement about treatment or diagnosis between the medical service, child and/or parents or guardians, or where consent cannot be obtained by both parents.  Before making an application to the Family Court to authorise Stage 1 gender affirming treatment, you must seek legal advice from Legal and Business Services (via Legal Request Form).   A child does not have to be Gillick competent, but they do need to able to express who they are and what they want and have an age-appropriate level of understanding of what the treatment does and doesn't do.  The decision to proceed to Family Court to make an application in support of Stage 1 Treatment requires approval from Regional Executive Director. All relevant information required to assist in decision-making should be outlined in a briefing not.  Prior to seeking approval from the Regional Executive Director, extensive consultation should occur within the district (including the Aboriginal Practice Leader where appropriate) and externally with medical and other relevant allied health professionals.
​Stage 2 – Estrogen or testosterone treatment This intervention includes the provision of either oestrogen or testosterone to encourage the development of the sexual characteristics the young person identifies with. The young person will need to have a higher capacity to understand the complexity of the treatment and the risk-benefits to be considered Gillick competent to consent to this treatment. Risks: Hormone treatment is not easily reversible and causes significant bodily changes. The level of reversibility for this treatment is dependent on several factors, including the length of time the young person is using the medication. This is a medical treatment and requires strict medical supervision. Additional considerations: If the young person's parents, family or other significant people are in disagreement with the decision for the young person to proceed with gender affirming treatment, they may need guidance to express these opinions in a manner that is not hurtful, intimidating or damaging to the young person. Where the Family Court authorises gender-affirming treatment, any appeals to overturn this decision need to be made to a Court, not via the Care Plan Review Panel.	​Consent: CAHS policy position is that court authorisation [Family Court] is required where the child is in the CEO's care. CAHS policy position is that court authorisation is also required   where: the child is not Gillick competent the child wishes to start stage 2 treatment before they are 16 years old (even if Gillick competent and there is agreement between the child, parents and the GDS)  there is disagreement between the child, parents and the GDS or consent cannot be obtained from all parents and legal guardians. The decision to proceed to Family Court to make an application in support of Stage 2 Treatment requires Regional Executive Director approval. All relevant information required to assist with decision-making should be outlined in a briefing not.  Before making an application to the Family Court to authorise Stage 1 or 2 gender affirming treatment, you must seek legal advice from Legal and Business Services (via Legal Request Form). If the young person is comfortable to do so, this treatment can be discussed in the care planning meetings prior to a final decision being made to help increase support of the young person.  Prior to seeking approval from Regional Executive Director, extensive consultation should occur within the district (including the Aboriginal Practice Leader where appropriate) and externally with medical and other relevant allied health professionals.
​Gender affirming surgery:   Surgery can include 'top' surgery where breasts are augmented with implants or removed via mastectomy. 'Bottom surgery' includes various procedures to change an individual's genitalia. Other surgery includes cosmetic surgery and removal of an Adam's apple. Additional considerations: Some gender affirming surgery can be avoided with timely Stage-1 gender-affirming treatment, such as 'top' surgery, Adam's apple removal and other de-masculinisation cosmetic surgery.	​ Generally, gender affirming surgery is not available to a young person under 18 years. There are currently no Australian surgeons who perform 'bottom' surgery for adolescents. On turning 18 years, a young person can consent to surgery.If a young person indicates they may want to pursue surgery as an adult, encourage them to engage in appropriate psychological support prior to becoming an adult to ensure they are in the best position to make an informed choice when they are able. Some young people may seek to use leaving care funds to cover some or all of the costs for gender affirming surgery are they reach 18 years. Leaving care funds can be used for this purpose, but each case must be considered on a case-by-case basis, according to what is in the best interest for that young person.   The decision to utilise leaving care funds to support young adults to access gender affirming surgery must be outlined in a briefing note and approved by the Regional Executive Director. This should be the Regional Executive Director responsible for the district that case managed the young person when they were in the CEO's care. Legal advice should be sought.

Fertility Preservation   Treatment   Fertility preservation allows a young person transitioning prior to having to children, to have reproductive health care options if they choose to have children in the future. Fertility preservation treatment most commonly involves the collection and storage of ova ('eggs') and sperm. To limit gender distress when discussing these procedures with a young person, using non-gender specific language, such as 'gamete' or 'reproductive materials' can be helpful.     Risks: The specific risks associated with fertility preservation depends on the specific pathway required.

​ As with all medical procedures, comprehensive medical advice is required for the young person to make an informed choice regarding what is in their best interest, now and into the future Appropriate psychological support should be provided to the young person to support them through the decision-making process and to limit gender distress associated with undergoing these procedures. These procedures may be expensive and unavailable in the public health sector. As with other health care needs unavailable publicly, Special Purpose Funding may be utilised if it is determined that fertility preservation is in the best interest of the young person. The decision to support fertility preservation treatment should be outlined in a briefing note and approved by the Regional Executive Director.











Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been demonstrated to be associated with gender diversity and gender dysphoria and a higher than average percentage of young people seeking gender affirming treatment have a history of co-existing ASD. A co-existing diagnosis of ASD should not prevent access to gender affirming treatment.







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Information sharing

​You should regularly check-in with the young person to determine what information they are comfortable sharing during care planning meetings or with their care team about their sexuality or gender identity.

Information sharing may be helpful for the young person to gain additional support, but they should determine what information is shared and what content is documented in their care plans about their gender and/or sexuality.

The young person has a right to reasonable privacy, and you should:

• explain in advance what things you must share and/or document and the reasons behind that process. This would include significant risks, such as disclosures of suicidal ideation

• advise when you are sharing and/or documenting information they may have thought was private, and

• explain who will have access to this information and what they will do with it. This should include an explanation for when a Court may access their personal records.

  
  

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Discrimination, acute distress and suicide risk

​Young people questioning their sexuality, gender identity or those who identify as LGBTIQA+, particularly for those in the CEO's care, experience much higher rates of self-harm and suicidality. According to the Trans Pathway report completed by the Telethon Kids Institute, almost half of young people surveyed in WA who identify as LGBTIQA+ disclosed having attempted suicide between the ages of 14-25 years. This rate is likely to be higher for young people in the CEO's care and even higher when there are intersecting risk factors present.

Lack of family connection, community and self-acceptance are believed to be contributing risk factors associated with suicidality and distress for many young people. Refer to the Trans Pathway Report (also in related resources) for further information.

 

Where risk factors are identified, you must work with the young person, their allies and care team to develop a safety plan to identify the risks, how they will be managed and who will have responsibility for making sure it is followed. Refer to Chapter 1.2 Safety planning for further information.




Concerns that require safety planning include, but are not limited to:

• a young person advising that they are being discriminated against or made to feel shame due to their diverse sexuality or gender identity in the home, school or elsewhere

• the young person talks about wanting to self-harm or displays suicidal ideation

• the young person talks about feeling alone and unloved and/or displays behaviours which indicate acute distress, such as frequent crying and other signs of depression, including withdrawal from usual activities

• new or escalating substance use, and/or

• high-risk sexualised behaviours, such as prostitution or unsafe relationships with partners who may be violent, controlling and/or hold significantly more power than the young person.

Where the concerns relate specifically to suicidal ideation and/or self-harm, engage any mental health workers, medical practitioners or psychologists currently working with the young person in the safety planning process and ensure there is someone available to monitor them in case the level of risk escalates. Refer to Chapter 1.4 Suicide and self-harm for further information.

Young people who identify as sexuality or gender diverse also experience much higher rates of violence, assaults, and bullying.

Concerns raised by a young person about their safety must be taken seriously. If the concerns are in relation to the school environment, obtain the young person's permission to share information and work with the school, including professionals such as a trusted teacher, school psychologist or Child Health Nurse. This engagement process is important to ensure the young person feels safe and supported and recognises that the adults around them are invested in their safety and wellbeing.

If the young person discloses abuse or an assault in a public setting, and you believe a criminal action has occurred, consult with the young person on their wishes to report the matter to Western Australia Police.  Given the varying circumstances that may arise, you may wish to seek legal advice from Legal and Business Services (via Legal Request Form). Support the young person through the process including if they choose not to pursue charges.

You must safety plan with the young person if there are any identified on-going risks and ensure they are aware of how they can seek help if they feel unsafe. If the incident was a sexual assault, ensure the young person is aware that a Mandatory Report may be generated, and an assessment may follow. A report may come from several mandatory reporters in the community, such as a teacher or doctor. Refer to 2.2 Mandatory reports of child sexual abuse for further information. 


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Abuse related to sexuality and gender diverse identities

If you believe a young person is at risk of emotional abuse in the home related to their LGBTIQA+ identity, you must use the Interaction Tool and consider intaking the matter for further assessment.




Emotional abuse takes many forms including sustained, repetitive, inappropriate ill-treatment by bullying, belittling, name-calling, threatening or humiliating. Under section 28 of the Act emotional abuse also includes being exposed to family violence.  Examples of emotionally abusive behaviours related to a young person's LGBTIQA+ identity include, but are not limited to:

• repeatedly reminding a young person of the heterosexual expectations they are viewed as failing to fulfill through comments or criticisms of mannerisms, behaviours, dress and friendship groups

• repeatedly calling a young person derogatory names associated with their sexuality and/or gender

• threatening physical abuse if a young person does not adhere to strict sexuality or gender norms

• threatening behaviours based on religious doctrine

• isolating the young person from allies, including professional support services and/or school, and

• refusing to use the young persons preferred pronouns and/or new names.
  

You must assume that family and domestic violence (FDV) is present and seek to confirm or refute this at the earliest opportunity. Do not assume that FDV is not present because the couple are in a same sex relationship.  Refer to chapter 2.3 Assessing emotional abuse – family and domestic violence for further information.




Emotional abuse should be sensitively assessed where a young person's LGBTIQA+ identity may be at odds with a family's beliefs and/or values. It is important that the family's beliefs and values are respected, and all steps should be taken to ensure that the young person can be safely supported within the family context. This may include, where appropriate, helping the family to identify strategies and community supports to help them to understand and accept the young person's identity. The young person's safety must remain the paramount concern and priority when working with the family.

A young person may also be pressured into engaging in some kind of "conversion therapy' which is designed to try and change their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. It is often religious-based and may use psychological, physical and/or spiritual interventions to intimidate and/or pressure the young person to deny their identity. This form of intervention can have profoundly negative long and short-term impacts on the young person. Where the Department learns that a young person is being forced to engage in harmful "conversion therapy", an assessment of emotional abuse must be considered, and the Interaction Tool used.

Any therapeutic referrals made by or supported by the Department must ensure the therapist has appropriate qualifications and expertise. For further information on assessing emotional abuse, see Chapter 2.4 Conducting a child safety investigation.

If a young person in the CEO's care discloses bullying, discrimination, an assault or abuse in the home or care arrangement, you must use the Interaction Tool and follow guidelines for reporting a critical incident and/or an abuse in care report.  See Chapter 2.1 Assessing and responding to child protection concerns for children in care for more information.

It is important for the young person to see you actively dealing with the situation and for you to role model appropriate solutions to manage violence and discrimination.  For more information on discrimination, see Addressing sexual orientation and sex and/or gender identity discrimination.


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Intersecting identities

​Intersectionality refers to how overlapping social categories and related discrimination and disadvantage are experienced by individuals and groups.

It is important to understand that multiple forms of discrimination and marginalisation, particularly for young people, is often experienced as cumulative and leads to significantly greater levels of psychological harm than singular forms of discrimination. 


For young people who identify as sexuality or gender diverse and are from an Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and/or CaLD background, there may be a risk of discrimination, abuse and disadvantage relating to different aspects of their identity and community.




When working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, or those from a CaLD background, prioritise surrounding the young person with strong allies and role models within their own and the broader LGBTIQA+ community.

There is growing representation of sexual and gender diversity within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an increase in the number of Aboriginal LGBTIQA+ support services. Linking a young person with community supports can help to strengthen their connection to culture and encourage them to feel acceptance and pride in their Aboriginality and LGBTIQA+ identity.

Intersectionality is equally relevant for young people facing other forms of intersecting disadvantage and/or discrimination, for example, young people with disability, young women and young people living in poverty. These intersecting elements of discrimination should be considered as part of any plan to address that young person's individual needs and to link them in with the appropriate supports.

A young person may experience difficulties balancing cultural norms, religious doctrine and family expectations with their LGBTIQA+ identity. Consider the young person's sexuality or gender diverse identity in relation to their care plan and Cultural Support Plan including:

• gender-based cultural lore practices where it may be challenging to accommodate their gender expression

• relationships and cultural knowledge transfer that may be based on gender, and/or

• managing a safe return to country if they are likely to face discrimination related to their sexuality or gender diverse identity.

To develop a Cultural Support Plan that supports the young person while strengthening links with their culture, consult with the young person, their family and relevant allies within their community. 


You must consult with an Aboriginal practice leader or another relevant senior Aboriginal officer that the young person trusts. Consultations must be recorded on Assist using the Case Plan Consultation function.




Refer to chapter 3.4 Care Planning for further information.

Refer to the First People's Rainbow Mob WA and the Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council for further information on supporting LGBTIQA+ young people of multicultural and multifaith backgrounds.





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