A quick guide to decision making
If you are a long-term carer and parental responsibility has been allocated to the Minister of DCJ, then you will be responsible for making many of the day-to-day decisions about your child. However, certain decisions can only be made by your agency (whether that's DCJor a non-government agency). There are also a small number of decisions that can only be made by DCJ.These guides give you some basic information about which decisions you can make on your own, and which need input from your agency. If you're not sure whether you can make a decision in a particular situation, or if you need help to organise approval either from your agency or from DCJ, contact your caseworker.
Health, wellbeing, personal development
Carers must inform their caseworker if the child or young person in their care suffers a serious accident, injury or illness.
HEALTH, WELLBEING & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT | Carer | Agency |
Driving lessons Make arrangements for driving lessons | ||
Haircuts Make arrangements for haircuts | ||
Hearing and eye tests Arrange and attend tests as appropriate | ||
Immunisation Ensure that child’s immunisation is up-to-date | ||
Marriage Your caseworker must contact DCJ for permission for the marriage of the young person in care | ||
Medical and dental (general) Arrange and attend treatment or checkups not requiring surgery or specialist treatment identified in Case Plan, for example,treatment for asthma or diabetes | ||
Medical emergency at school To be the first point of contact | ||
Medication Administer medication prescribed by a medical practitioner as well as some over-the-counter medicines | ||
Medication Approve psychotropic medication (such as anti-depressants) if part of an approved Behaviour Support Plan and prescribed by a doctor | ||
Surgery (non-urgent) You caseworker will contact DCJ for approval for non-urgent surgery | ||
Surgery (urgent) Give approval in emergency situations where the medical officer deems it necessary to save the life of the child or young person | ||
Swimming lessons (organised by carer) Give permission to attend |