Getting started

You and your caseworker are partners in care. Together, you create the safe and caring environment that will help your child build confidence, grow strong, and heal from what may have been a traumatic past. Good communication is vital. Your caseworker relies on the information and insights you provide to update plans, arrange referrals and provide support for the mental, physical and emotional wellbeing of the child or young person in your care.

What kids need to know

When a child or young person goes into out-of-home care, their caseworker is responsible for preparing them for their new living arrangements (called a ‘placement’). They do this by:

• giving the child or young person some general information about the home they are going to
• explaining what information you’ll be given about them and their family
• talking about some of your household routines and rules
• providing important contact numbers
• arranging, where possible, some initial contact such as a phone call or meeting with you before they come to stay.

Children and young people say they prefer to have information about a carer, and meet or speak with them and their family, before they move in.

What carers need to know

Your caseworker is responsible for giving you the information you need at the start of the placement. This includes information about the child or young person and their story, the proposed length of the placement and the different sorts of support and training available to you. It will also include important personal details, such as health issues or food preferences.

Early on in the placement you should be given the following documents:

• confirmation of placement
• a copy of the child or young person’s Case Plan
• a copy of the final court orders for the child or young person, or information about the status of any court proceedings
• all relevant reports
• the child’s My Life Story Book
• the child’s Medicare card and personal health record (the Blue Book).

If you’re a Department of Communities and Justice Services (DCJ) carer and the placement is for three months or more, your caseworker will give you a signed copy of the Placement Agreement. This contains specific information about your role, your responsibilities and what needs to be done to provide the child with a standard of care in line with the Code of Conduct.

In a crisis, a child or young person may arrive with just the clothes they’re wearing. Talk to your caseworker if you need help to buy some basic necessities like pyjamas and toiletries. You may be eligible for some financial assistance, such as an Establishment Payment.

Kids’ personal belongings

The personal belongings that a child or young person brings with them to your home may be particularly important to them. This property should be treated with care and respect, including:

• ensuring they have some space of their own to put their belongings
• recognising they have the right to refuse to share their belongings
• insisting that other people living in or visiting your home respect their belongings
• making sure they have proper luggage to carry their belongings when they leave the placement.

Gifts, savings, earnings and any items that are bought for kids while they’re living with you, such as clothing, toys, cots or a special quilt cover, are also their personal property. Please make sure the child or young person takes all of their belongings with them when they change placements, return home or leave care.