Case planning and review
Case planning is about identifying the decisions and actions required to achieve stability and security for the child or young person in care. Wherever possible the child or young person, their family and their carer, as well as their caseworker, are all involved in the development of the Case Plan.
Getting ready for a move
When it’s time to leave your home, you and your child may experience a range of emotions. You may have strong feelings about this time coming to an end. You may even disagree with the decision. The child or young person in your care may feel excited and eager about the move, or anxious and confused.
It’s important for you and your caseworker to encourage your child to be positive about the move and make it as easy as possible for them. If you have any issues or concerns, raise them with your caseworker during case planning meetings.
To support the child or young person, their birth family and you through the placement change, your caseworker will:
- ensure everyone is told the reasons for the change in placement or return to the family
- decide when and how they will leave the placement
- clarify their role and your role in helping the child or young person with the transition
- involve you, the child or young person and their birth family in planning and decision-making, wherever possible and appropriate
- make sure everyone knows how to access the complaints system in case they want to request a review of the decision to end the placement
- prepare the child or young person for the move as well as they can in the available time
- give you and the child or young person the opportunity to say goodbye and stay in contact after the placement ends, when possible and appropriate
- decide the amount and type of future contact between you and the child or young person if it’s agreed contact will be maintained
- provide information to everyone about the new placement, as appropriate
- ensure kids take all their belongings with them
- make every reasonable effort to keep the child or young person in the same school where they have established relationships.
What the child or young person will take away with them
When the child or young person in your care leaves your home, they must be allowed to take their personal belongings with them, including:
- personal items they brought with them when they arrived
- items that have been purchased specifically for them, such as clothing, bedding and sports equipment
- anything that has been given to them such as a phone or birthday gift
- money they’ve saved or earned
- their birth certificate, Medicare card, Health Care Card, personal health record (Blue Book), Life Story book, school reports, awards and photos.
Every child or young person should also have suitable luggage to carry their belongings, such as a suitcase or travel bag.