Application
This unit applies to child protection work in statutory context |
Prerequisites
Not Applicable
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Gather information about the risk/actual harm | 1.1 Gather sufficient relevant information from a range of sources about the child to make a determination about harm and risk of harm 1.2 Consult previous child protection history where relevant 1.3 Consult with colleagues about previous supports or interventions provided by the organisation 1.4 Liaise with other services to obtain information that will assist with determination of risk of harm where this is appropriate |
2. Identify factors impact on the determination of risk | 2.1 Identify factors that increase or reduce the vulnerability, severity and probability of harm 2.2 Identify and document issues in family functioning that contribute to risk or protection 2.3 Correlate child development and attachment issues to assessing harm |
3. Conclude determination of risk | 3.1 Use information gathered about the child to identify and determine harm and unacceptable risk of harm 3.2 Use relevant legislation, organisation tools and guidelines to determine the child's immediate and long term safety 3.3 Use senior staff and specialist practitioners' to confer about determination in complex cases 3.4 Document the outcome of the assessment and actions to be taken including any case work strategies that will contribute to interventions and child safety measures |
Required Skills
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 and responsibilities of key legal bodies within child protection systems Legislation relevant to child protection risk work assessment Powers, orders and processes relating to key legal bodies in child protection Issues for children in dealing with the legal system Legal options available to children and families Organisation guidelines for interagency practices Roles and functions of support agencies and processes Documentation processes and organisation information systems and tools to be used for complex risk assessment Statutory responsibilities and delegations Code of conduct for child protection work Information sharing and referrals protocols Critical incident reporting procedures Types of abuse and resulting harms, including indicators of harm, protective and risk factors Impact of child abuse and neglect on child and adolescent development Contemporary approaches to respectful and professional standards for case documentation |
Essential skills: It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to: Document child protection notifications and include recording of logical connections made between concerns expressed, analysis and decision-making, and response is congruent with assessment Provide accurate documentation using tools provided by the organisation In addition, 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: Record assessment considerations of child protection history and patterns of family functioning in analysis to inform responses in case discussion, case work and case management Articulate in documentation rationale for judgements/decision-making in case discussions, work management Complete risk assessment and case plans for each child/young person with consideration with consideration for individual needs Assess harm and makes appropriate decisions by analysing and synthesising information with the use of the structured decision-making tools, and provides rationale for decisions Collaborate, negotiate, and network with government and non government agencies Facilitate the initiation of case work as a result of determination of risk where appropriate |
Evidence Required
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 range of clients and specific needs that will encountered in the workplace |
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 |
Range Statement
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. | |
Range of sources may include: | Consulting with relevant people known to the child and their circumstances Notifier information Consult any previous child protection history |
Consult with colleagues may include: | Team leader Manager Practice Supervisor Peer |
Liaison with other services may include: | Internal programs of the organisation Culturally specific organisations Mental health Drug and alcohol Medical Services Other agencies participating in interagency protocols e.g. Police, Domestic and Family violence services, Interstate Statutory Authorities on child protection |
Factors that increase or reduce the vulnerability, severity and probability of harm may include: | Child's age and developmental stage, physical, social and emotional well being Immediate/actual evidence of harm Availability of family/other protective support systems Isolation Previous history of harm and intervention needs Commitment to engage to reduce/eliminate risk of harm Ability and capacity to address the situations Admissions/disclosure information |
Family functioningmay include: | Drug and alcohol use/abuse Mental health concerns Physical health and ability Intellectual disability Domestic and family violence |
Relevant legislation includes: | Child protection Witness legislation Bail conditions to protect children Role the independent child lawyer in the Family Court jurisdictions Criminal injuries compensation Orders under Domestic Violence legislation Options under Child Protection Legislation |
Sectors
Not Applicable
Employability Skills
This unit contains Employability Skills |
Licensing Information
Not Applicable