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

This unit of competence must be assessed in the workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions

Consistency in performance should consider the complexity of the environment in which workers are expected to participate

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:

This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged

Resources required for assessment include access to relevant workplace or simulated realistic workplace setting where assessment may take place

Method of assessment:

Assessment may include observation, questioning and evidence gathered from a workplace environment

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 knowledge of:

Roles, responsibilities and functions of key agencies and personnel participating in interagency and collaborative case work

A range of potential issues that may present and require action in investigation and risk assessment strategies

Family, cultural and community considerations relevant to investigation and child risk assessment strategies

Organisation and interagency collaborative frameworks

Range of options for intervention

Key principles of child protection work

Strategic planning processes required to facilitate child protection work

Organisation policies and procedures

Legislation and regulations of child protection work relevant to the investigation and assessment of children at risk

Strategies for effective communication with a diverse range of people

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Work collaboratively with other key agencies to develop, implement and review an investigations and assessment strategy

Identify key consideration when developing an investigation and assessment strategy

The candidate must be able 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 the ability to:

Apply high level interpersonal and communication skills including questioning, active listening, verbal and non-verbal communication to gain information for purpose of risk assessment

Identify and facilitate appropriate referral actions

Participate and conduct interagency meetings

Undertake effective negotiation and conflict management

Liaise and network with a range of key agencies and personnel

Recognise and enforce own and agency limitations and boundaries

Collect and share critical information for the purpose of collaborative actions across agencies and cases

Analytically assess issues, options, needs and consider in relation to each individual child's circumstance

Use effective consultation processes when working with other agencies and personnel

Participate in collaborative risk assessment processes

Implement an agreed strategy

Monitor and review an agreed strategy

Participate collaboratively in interagency meetings

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.

Agencies and personnel may include:

Children and families

Child protection authorities

Police

Women's and Children's services

Community and government health services providing a range of services

Housing agencies

Education authorities

Mental Health Services

Drug and Alcohol Services

Early Childhood and/or Youth Services

Roles and responsibilities of key agencies and other personnel may include:

Child protection assessment

Criminal investigation

Psychological and/or family assessments

Medical/health assessments

Issue of police warrants

Speaking with the child and/or family

Supporting the child and/or family

Liaison and referral with other appropriate agencies to support the child and family

Relevant agency information may include:

History of contact with the child and their family

Criminal records/history

Previous notifications

Restraining orders, e.g family or domestic violence

Child school records

Medical records

Past, current and pending court proceedings e.g. Family Court involvement

Services previously involved with the family

Information held by each agency relevant to the needs of the child and their family

Range of issues to be addressed may include:

Safety, well being and best interests of the child are paramount considerations

Needs of individual children and the need to involve other individuals and agencies in the strategy discussion to assist in meeting those needs

Identify suitability of agency to interview

Preservation and gathering of evidence

Engaging the caregivers

Managing and defusing dangerous or potentially dangerous situations

Managing potential disclosures

Managing the range of responses and the practical implications for each response, e.g. considering the issues which arise in the process of removing a child from the family

Referral for medical assessment

Proceedings under the Family Law Act

Individual worker safety

Cultural, family and community issues may include:

Ethnicity

Race

Language

Traditions

Values

Beliefs

Religion

Spirituality

Customs

Family structures and relationship networks

Family and domestic violence

Age

Ability

Mental health

Organisation and interagency frameworks may include:

Interagency codes of practice,

Interagency protocols and guidelines

Memorandums of understandings

Documented expectations and agreements

Organisation policies and procedures

Potential risks may include:

Risk of further harm to the child

Risk of systems abuse

Violence and aggression

Escalation of violence, e.g. siege situation

Substance abuse

Mental illness

Disguised compliance

Families agency dependency

Closure of families

Range of intervention options may include:

Criminal investigation processes - reports, arrest, bail conditions

Court orders related to domestic and family violence

Options and orders specified under the relevant child protection legislation in States/Territories

Family Court interventions under the Family Law act

Strategy may include but is not limited to:

Joint investigation

Visits by agencies conducted jointly or separately

Home visits

School visits

Visits to other venue appropriate to the needs of the child

Negotiating role of the Child Protection Agency in the investigation and assessment

Key principles of child protection work:

Is defined by each State and Territory within the provision of the relevant Child Protection Legislation

Practical arrangements may include:

Coordinating resources for investigation

Coordinating transport and accommodation for the child and protective care givers for the investigations and assessment process

Developing and coordinating a safety plan

Coordinating arrangements for the placement or potential placement of a child in alternative care

Practical arrangements may be informed by the principles of the Interagency framework, guidelines, policies and procedures of the organisation

Appropriate referrals may include:

Referral to child protection services

Health and community support agencies

Psychological and counselling services

Medical assessment service

Parenting assessment services