The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this unit of competency:

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

Observation of workplace performance is preferred for assessment of this unit. However, where assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace

Assessment must demonstrate understanding of the regulations of the Family Law Act in the relation to the development of shared parenting arrangements and the best interests of the child

Access and equity considerations:

All workers in community services should be aware of access, equity and human rights issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

In cases where the learner does not have the opportunity to cover all relevant aspects in the work environment, the remainder should be assessed through realistic simulations, projects, previous relevant experience or oral questioning on ' What if?' scenarios

Assessment of this unit of competence will usually include observation of processes and procedures, oral and/or written questioning on essential knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes

Where performance is not directly observed and/or is required to be demonstrated over a period of time and/or in a number of workplace settings, any evidence should be authenticated by colleagues, supervisors, clients or other appropriate persons

Method of assessment:

Observation in the workplace (if possible) together with a possible combination of the following:

Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice.

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate

Assessment practices should take into account any relevant language or cultural issues related to Aboriginality, gender or language barriers other than English

Where the candidate has a disability, reasonable adjustment may be applied during assessment

Language and literacy demands of the assessment task should not be higher than those of the work role

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

These include:

Thorough understanding of the provision for children and property in the Family Law Act, Child Support (Assessment)Act and how these are developed into accepted parenting plans

An understanding of the sources of power imbalances in relationships and an ability to recognise and respond appropriately to the indicators of such imbalances in their clients

Age appropriate methods of relating to and eliciting perceptions, information and responses from children

Knowledge of impact of conflict, particularly high and or/ongoing conflict, on children, and the use of child focused techniques to address and minimise these impacts

Understanding of the nature of domestic violence. Screen for indicators of family violence and its effects, power and gender issues, child abuse and associated criminal issues which may be present and impact on parenting arrangements

Understanding of basic legal concepts and the law pertaining to the issues being discussed, and an ability to seek expert advice where necessary to clarify any legal issues including:

separation and divorce

asset division

maintenance

residence and contact

privacy and confidentiality

breaches of law and major trends in case law relating to the issues referred to above

Awareness of issues impacting on separated parents and children in high conflict relationships attempting to establish parenting arrangements, examples may include: grief and loss, poverty, unresolved conflict, violence, abuse, alienation, isolation

Understanding of own family of origin and importance of self awareness when working with separating and high conflict families

Awareness of dynamics of wider kinship networks and their importance in development of parenting arrangements

Understanding of key conceptsand principles of each of the following theories and how these apply to the process of assisting clients to develop parenting arrangements:

attachment

family systems

human development

family, couple, and child dynamics in normal developmental and abnormal forms

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Recognise the complexities of relationships both in and out of the immediate family environment and consider this in the context of assisting clients to develop parenting arrangements

Apply age appropriate techniques when engaging children in the process of establishing their needs and wants regarding parenting arrangements.

Undertake risk assessments for issues of domestic and family violence and child protection issues in regard to parenting arrangements

Identify and consult relevant legislation to ensure parenting arrangements meet any requirements of legislation

Identify appropriate steps to ensure own values do not impact on decision-making in practice

Seek expert advice where necessary

Apply the basic concepts of a range of conflict management processes including:

conciliation

negotiation

mediation

Relationship skills:

Ability to:

Create and maintain rapport with clients and colleagues and allied professionals

Establish and maintain trust

Respect the clients rights to participate and make informed decisions about parenting arrangements

Encourage client self determination and the inclusion of child's best interest

Content management skills include:

Ability to:

Obtain, identify, organise, analyse, prioritise and evaluate information

Assess the issues and options and reason logically

Read, comprehend and use relevant written materials

Write clearly and concisely, using neutral language

Create, maintain and organise records and materials in an appropriate manner

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Factors affecting current parenting practices and possible family of origin issues may include:

Socioeconomic influences

Mental health concerns of a family member

Drug and alcohol issues

Disability of a family member

Isolation from previously established networks

Intergenerational and family of origin issues

Specific cultural factors, isolation and alienation

Stress disorders

History or presence of domestic and family violence and abuse

Ineffective communication and relationship formation

Needs of the family may include:

Information on issues affecting decision-making about parenting arrangements

Referral to other support services

Advocacy services

Access to counselling or relationship education services

Access to or facilitated referral to Children's Contact Services

Express needs of the child and/or young person may include but is not limited to:

Type, frequency and length of contact with parents

Preference for recreational and social activities

Education and peer relations

Contact and relationship with significant others and/or extended family

Place of residence

Preferred communications styles with parents and significant others

Child focused practice includes:

Engaging with the child and or young person using appropriate strategies to ensure their primary needs and concerns are identified and presented for inclusion in the development of parenting arrangements.

Issues that may arise as a result of reviewed parenting arrangements may include:

Need to consult and notify other individuals or agencies of changes to the arrangements in relation to legal or other obligations

Further screening for domestic and family violence or abuse

Review of any relevant court orders

Referral to other agencies may be required e.g. family relationship counselling