Code of Conduct for Authorised Carers
This Code of Conduct is for authorised foster, relative and kinship carers, prospective guardians and dually authorised prospective adoptive parents currently providing authorised care. These groups of people are referred to as ‘carers’ throughout the Code of Conduct.A designated agency is an organisation accredited to arrange and supervise out-of-home care services. They are referred to as ‘agency’ throughout the Code of Conduct.Children or young people will be referred to as child or children throughout the Code of Conduct.
Statement of purpose
Strong and close relationships between the child, their carer, the child’s family and agency staff support the child’s safety and welfare. The Code of Conduct aims to promote loving, stable, caring and positive relationships between the child and their carer. It also promotes good relationships between carers, the child, the child’s family and the agency.
The Code of Conduct reflects that permanency is a priority for children. Where possible permanency (via restoration, guardianship or open adoption) should be achieved within two years of a decision being made about the best permanency option for a child. The Code of Conduct helps agencies and carers uphold the rights of children outlined in the NSW Charter of Rights for Children and Young People in Out-of-Home Care.
This Code of Conduct promotes the highest standards of conduct by carers. It sets out the standards of behaviour that apply to carers. It also sets out the support and assistance that carers can expect to receive from the agency supervising the placement.