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Child Protection Workforce Action GroupChild Protection Induction ProgramPurposeTo provide new staff of non-government organisations with an overview of Queenslands child protection systemWhy?Important that workers:Have a clear understanding of the child protection system and how it worksCan identify how the work they do fits within or interfaces with this systemNextWhat we will coverYou will obtain an awareness and understanding about:Queenslands child protection service system and how it links to the broader child and family service systemgood child protection practicestatutory child protection services (including legislation and key stages and steps)child protection processes that impact on your role and responsibilitiesapproaches to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and agenciesapproaches used by organisations in working togetherkey values and principles that should inform your workself-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balanceNextThe child protection system and its linkages to the broader child and family service systemChild protection is concerned with ensuring the safety and well-being of children and young people within their:NextFamilyCommunityCultureNextUnited Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child sets out the rights of children to:Protection from abuse and neglectHave a say in matters that affect their lives

By signing the Convention, Australian governments have committed themselves to:Protecting and ensuring childrens rightsBeing held accountable for their actions in meeting this commitment in the eyes of the international community

The child protection system and its linkages to the broader child and family service systemNextUniversally available strategies targeting whole communities or all families to build public resources and attend to social factors contributing to child abuse and neglect

Eg. public health, education, housing and income support; family/ neighbourhood centres; health home visiting programs; school-based personal safety programsHow is the child protection system structured?The child protection system and its linkages to the broader child and family service systemNextInterventions targeting vulnerable families or children who are at risk of abuse or neglect i.e. those with special needs or who are in need of greater support

Eg. Playgroups for at-risk children; family support programs for young parents; community development in high needs areas; Referral for Active Intervention Services ; Helping Out Families InitiativeThe child protection system and its linkages to the broader child and family service systemHow is the child protection system structured?NextInterventions targeting families where child abuse or neglect has already occurred; interventions that seek to reduce the long-term implications of abuse or neglect and to prevent its re-occurrence; includes statutory child protection services

Eg. Counselling for abused children; investigation of child abuse and neglect; family intervention services; community programs; reconciliation process The child protection system and its linkages to the broader child and family service systemHow is the child protection system structured?NextChildren and families who are in contact with the child protection system may also be in contact with other service systems eg. disability, youth justice, homelessness, domestic violence, drug and alcohol and/ or mental health The child protection system and its linkages to the broader child and family service systemHow is the child protection system structured?NextChildren and their families may have multiple needs requiring services from multiple service systems hence the importance of seeing the child protection system in the broader context of child and family welfare and other service systems seeking to meet the needs of children and families The child protection system and its linkages to the broader child and family service systemHow is the child protection system structured?Exercise: Mapping the local child protection systemNextLocate your service within the child protection service systemLocate other services provided by your organisation within the child protection systemIdentify other services provided in your local area within the child protection systemIf your service is not part of the child protection system, identify how it interfaces with this systemIdentify services from within other sectors that are relevant to the needs of the children and families with whom you work What do we know about good child protection practice?NextChild protection system is complex

Abandonment of practices based on the notion of rescuing children

Enhanced appreciation of:The significance of childrens attachment to their familyThe trauma and harm that can be caused to children when these attachments are disrupted by their removal form their familys careThe dangers of child protection practice being influenced by judgements based on moral and social norms, economic hardship or cultural differences

What do we know about good child protection practice?NextLessons from the past informing practice today

The importance of supporting childrens ongoing attachments to their primary adult care-giversUnderstandings about the trauma and harm that can be caused by disrupting childrens attachments and connections to their family, friends, community and cultureThe need for legal and other safeguards to protect the rights of all parties, with the best interests of children remaining the paramount concernThe necessity for checks and balances when weighing up the risks of harm to a child of interventions do not take place compared with the potential harm caused by the intrusion and disruption to their care if these interventions do occurThe need for regulatory and other mechanisms to monitor and enforce the quality of out-of-home care services that children receiveWhat do we know about good child protection practice?NextKey aims of an effective child protection system

Ensuring the safety of children and young people from harm and risks of harmPromoting all aspects of their wellbeingFacilitating their access to the same life opportunities afforded to all other children and young people These aims are inter-relatedWhat do we know about good child protection practice?NextAbout safety from harm

In most instances, a safe and permanent home with family members is the best place for a child to be nurtured towards adulthood.Children also have a right to be free from:physical, sexual or emotional harm perpetrated by family members or others, orharm that may be self-inflicted.When children are at risk of harm, there is a shared responsibility held by family members, governments and the community to keep them safe. In most instances, this is best accomplished by supporting families. When a safe environment cannot be obtained within a family, alternative care arrangements may be warranted.What do we know about good child protection practice?NextAbout wellbeing

Requires that the basic needs for food, clothing and shelter of children and young people are being adequately metThese needs are best met within an environment that provides sufficient nurture, support and stimulation to enable childrens physical, intellectual, emotional, pro-social, cultural and spiritual growth.Promotes stability of relationships and the connections of children and young people with their community and cultureWhat do we know about good child protection practice?NextAbout life opportunities

Children who have experienced harm or been placed at risk of harm are entitled to the same life opportunities as the general population of children. This includes opportunities to:Access education that meets their needsParticipate in activities that support their physical, emotional, social, cultural and spiritual growth and developmentForm long-term relationships with supportive adultsBe informed about and participate in decision-making about their careTake ownership of their lives and be supported in making informed life decisionsLearn life skills and progress towards independence with support to over-come economic disadvantageTransition from care with a capacity for positive engagement in relationships and community lifeWhat do we know about good child protection practice?NextHow do children and young people benefit from the aims of an effective care system being met?

Key factors:Continuity and stability of their care arrangementsHaving contact with their parents, siblings and extended family and the quality of this contactMaintenance of their cultural connectionsConsistent and continued engagement with the school they have been attendingContinued contact and engagement with their friendsConsistent and continued engagement with known and trusted workersSecurityIdentityBelongingHaving a choice about seeing their familyKnowing why they are in careFeeling safe, respected, listened to and believedBeing involved in decision-making about their careWhat do we know about good child protection practice?NextImplications of our key understandings about good child protection practice

National Framework for Protecting Australias children: Protecting Children is Everyones Business 2009-2020What do we know about good child protection practice?NextImplications of our key understandings about good child protection practice

Achieving a more balanced child protection systemStatutory child protection servicesNextInclude:Receiving and responding to reports of child abuse and neglectWorking with parents to address child protection concerns through agreement or court sanctionProviding out-of-home care to childrenReunifying children and their parentsProviding long-term care for childrenSupporting young people in leaving care

Statutory child protection servicesNextProvided by:Department of Communities (Child Safety Services) through Child Safety Service CentresQueensland Police ServiceQueensland HealthRecognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child protection servicesChildrens CourtCommission for Children and Young People and Child GuardianQueensland Civil and Administrative TribunalNon-government organisationsStatutory child protection servicesNextChild protection legislation:Includes Child Protection Act 1999 and Child Protection Regulation 2000An expression of government policy about the way it intends to protect and care for childrenProvides a context in which the statutory provisions of the Act are to be exercised in practice and interpreted by courtsDetails statutory provisions to intervene in the lives of children and their familiesStatutory child protection servicesNextPrinciples of the Child Protection Act 1999

The safety, wellbeing and best interests of a child are paramountA child has a right to be protected from harm or risk of harmA childs family has the primary responsibility for the childs upbringing, protection and developmentThe preferred way of ensuring a child's safety and wellbeing is through supporting the child's familyIf a child does not have a parent who is able and willing to protect them, the State is responsible for protecting the childStatutory child protection servicesNextPrinciples of the Child Protection Act 1999

In protecting a child, the State should only take action that is warranted in the circumstancesIf a child is removed from their family, support should be given for the purpose of allowing the child to return to the childs family if the return is in the childs best interestsIf a child does not have a parent able and willing to give the child ongoing protection in the foreseeable future, the child should have long-term alternative careIf a child is removed from the childs family, consideration should be given to placing the child, as a first option, in the care of kinStatutory child protection servicesNextPrinciples of the Child Protection Act 1999

If a child is removed from their family, the child should be placed with their siblings, to the extent that is possibleA child should only be placed in the care of a parent or other person who has the capacity and is willing to care for the child (including a parent or other person with capacity to care for the child with assistance or support)A child should have stable living arrangements, that provide for:a stable connection with their family and community, to the extent that this is in the childs best interests, andtheir developmental, educational, emotional, health, intellectual and physical needs to be met Statutory child protection servicesNextPrinciples of the Child Protection Act 1999

A child should be able to maintain relationships with their parents and kin, if it is appropriate for the childA child should be able to know, explore and maintain their identity and values, including their cultural, ethnic and religious identity and valuesA delay in making a decision in relation to a child should be avoided, unless appropriate for the child.Statutory child protection servicesNextAreas covered by the Child Protection Act 1999

Reporting of harm or suspected harmInvestigation of harm or suspected harmGrounds on which statutory authorities can intervene in the lives of familiesPlanning and review of interventions to protect children and young peopleUse of intervention with parental agreement Use of court proceedings to protect children including the range of orders that may be made by courtsAdministration, management and supervision of court orders Regulation of care including standards of care, approval of carers, licensing of care services and Charter of Rights for a Children in Care Coordination of service delivery and exchange of informationConfidentiality provisionsDecisions that can be reviewed by the Qld Civil and Administrative TribunalStatutory child protection servicesNextOther legislation relevant to the protection of children

Childrens Court Act 1992Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian Act 2000Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (Jurisdiction Provisions) Amendment Act 2009Education (General Provisions) Act 2006Public Health Act 2005Adoption of Children Act 2009Information Privacy Act 2009Statutory child protection servicesNextOrganisation of statutory child protection services

Department of Communities (Child Safety Services)Queensland Police ServiceQueensland HealthSuspected Child Abuse and Neglect Assessment and Management (SCAN AM)Teams:Department of Communities (Child Safety Services)Department of Education and TrainingQueensland HealthQueensland Police ServiceRecognised Entities Statutory child protection servicesNextOrganisation of statutory child protection services

Childrens CourtCommission for Children and Young People and Child GuardianMonitors and reviews laws, policies and practicesAdministers Community Visitor ProgramReceives and investigates complaintsMaintains a Child Death Register and Child Death Review CommitteeEmployment screeningConducts researchPromotes laws, policies and practices that uphold the rights, interests and wellbeing of childrenQueensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT)Statutory child protection servicesNextChild protection process

Statutory child protection servicesNextOther key functions of the Department of Communities

Placement supportFundingLicensingHow do child protection processes affect you in your job?NextReporting harmReferrals for family supportCase planning and family meetingsPlacement meetings and agreementsService standards and licensingHow do child protection processes affect you in your job?NextReporting harm:Definition of harmProtection from liabilityProtection from identificationMandatory reporting requirements:Employees of the Department of CommunitiesEmployees of a licensed care serviceStaff of the Commission for Children and Young People and Child GuardianDoctors and registered nursesFamily court personnel and counsellorsStaff of State and non-State schools Your organisations procedures for reporting harm or risk of harmHow do child protection processes affect you in your job?NextReferrals for family support:May be made after a report of a child protection concern to the Department of Communities (Child Safety Services) where there is no identified need for ongoing child protection interventionMay be made after a determination that there is a need for ongoing child protection intervention, either:with parental agreement, orwith a child protection orderHelping Out Families InitiativeHow do child protection processes affect you in your job?NextCase planning and family group meetings:Case planning is intended to be an inclusive and participative processFour key stages:AssessmentPlanningImplementationReviewFamily group meetings are held to:Develop and review case plansProvide family-focussed responses and ensure an inclusive processYour organisation may be asked to participate in the development or review of a case planHow do child protection processes affect you in your job?NextPlacement Agreements and care planning:Placement Agreements must be negotiated by the Department of Communities (Child Safety Services) with each childs carers and the relevant care service to:document agreed-upon support and services to be provided to the carer, andestablish roles and responsibilities of each party in achieving the goals of the Non-government organisations providing out-of-home care are required to develop and regularly review care plans that identify goals and strategies used to address identified needs of each childHow do child protection processes affect you in your job?NextService standards and licensing:Quality assurance strategy incorporating 11 minimum service standards grouped into 3 focus areas:Focus on children, young people and families using services, address:Accessibility of servicesResponding to the needs of children, young people and familiesParticipation and choiceConfidentiality and privacyFeedback, complaints and appealsProtecting the safety of children and young peopleHow do child protection processes affect you in your job?NextService standards and licensing:Quality assurance strategy incorporating 11 minimum service standards grouped into 3 focus areas:Focus on staff, carers and other volunteers, address:Recruitment and selection processesInduction, learning, training and developmentSupport and supervisionHow do child protection processes affect you in your job?NextService standards and licensing:Quality assurance strategy incorporating 11 minimum service standards grouped into 3 focus areas:Focus on governance, address:Organisational alignmentGovernance accountabilityExercise: Reporting harmNextWhat are your obligations to report harm or the risk of harm to the Department of Communities (Child Safety Services)?What is the process for making a report of harm or risk of harm within your organisation?Which is your local Child Safety Service Centre/ Regional Intake Service?Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and servicesNextThe Child Protection Act 1999 includes a number of principles, provisions and requirements that specifically relate to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and familiesThese provisions recognise and acknowledge:Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first AustraliansThe culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoplesThe continuing over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child and young people in the child protection systemThe past forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families and the continuing impact of such policies on individuals, families and communitiesWorking with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and servicesNextPrinciples additional to the Acts general principles

An Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander child should be allowed to develop and maintain a connection with their family, culture, traditions, language and community (s5C(a))The long-term effects of a decision on an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander childs identity and connection with their family and community should be taken into account (s5C(b))Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and servicesNextOther provisions of the Act require:

The involvement of Recognised Entities in significant decision-makingRecognised Entities to be consulted when decisions, other than significant decisions, are being madeWhen the above is not possible, the Recognised Entity to be consulted as soon as practicable after the decision has been made The Childrens Court to consider the views held by a Recognised Entity or where this is not practicable, the views of the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community to which the child belongsObservance of the general principle that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children should be cared for within their own communities Consultations, negotiations, family group meetings and other proceedings to take place in a way that is culturally appropriate to Aboriginal tradition or Torres Strait Island customWorking with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and servicesNextOther provisions of the Act require:

Consultation with a Recognised Entity when it is suspected that an unborn child may be in need of protection (and the pregnant woman agrees) for purposes of:assessing the likelihood that the child may be in need of protection after he or she is born, andoffering help and support to the pregnant woman.Case planning to be carried out in ways that encourage and facilitate the participation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander agencies and persons Certain factors that must be considered when decisions are made about the placement of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander child in out-of-home careWorking with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and servicesNextThe Child Placement Principle:

Proper consideration must be given to placing the child, in order of priority, with:a member of the childs familya member of the childs community or language groupanother Aboriginal person or Torres Strait Islander who is compatible with the childs community or language group, oranother Aboriginal person or Torres Strait IslanderWorking with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and servicesNextThe Child Placement Principle:

If this is not possible, in order of priority, with: a person who lives near the childs family, ora person who lives near the childs community or language groupPerson must be committed to:facilitating contact between the child and their parents and other family membershelping the child to maintain contact with their community or language grouphelping the child to maintain a connection with their culture, andpreserving and enhancing the childs sense of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander identityWorking with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and servicesNextFind out the names of relevant family or tribal groups in the area that you workFind out about the demographics of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families in the area you workFind out about the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families in the child protection system in the area you workIdentify relevant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services in the area you work and what they doVisit the services that you are likely to have most contact withIf you are required to visit an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community, find out about the protocol for entering the community and talking with peopleWorking togetherNextParticipation of children, young people and familiesInter-agency collaborationParticipation of children, young people and familiesNextKey skills and abilities for developing effective relationships:

Recognise and build on strengthsDevelop sensitive and informed client-worker relationship with appropriate balance of powerTreat clients with respect and as unique not a caseEstablish effective communicationRecognise stigma of involvement with statutory services rebuild parental confidenceProvide dependable support and practical helpEstablish openness and honesty in all contactsCreate transparency in decision-making (share records and access to files)Foster a climate that assures people that their concerns or complaints will be taken seriouslyElicit, listen to and be open to the views and theories of clientsInter-agency collaborationNextWorking together may involve:

Identifying local services and developing an understanding about what they doGetting to know and develop working relationships with othersAttending case planning forums held by other agenciesInviting others to attend your agencys case planning forumsDeveloping formal structures for working together (e.g. protocols, resource sharing)Participating in service networks and inter-agency forumsA note on confidentialityNextImportant that workers are open with children and families about their organisations approach to information-sharing, confidentiality and the limits to confidentialityLimits to confidentiality may include:safety of a child or adultcommission of a criminal offencesubpoena issued by a courtImportant that you understand your legal, agency and professional obligations to:report harm, and share information, where necessary, for purposes of coordinating services for children in need of protection and care or who may become in need of protection and care

Exercise: ParticipationNextWhat is your organisations approach to the participation of children and families in the delivery of services?Identify some of the barriers to the participation of children and families in a child protection contextDiscuss how you could address these barriersExercise: CollaborationWhat is your organisations approach to collaboration with other organisations in your area?Are there any examples of formal structures between your organisation and other organisations to support collaboration?Discuss specific examples of collaboration that have improved service delivery to children and familiesUnderstanding the values and principles underlying your practiceNextAll workers may be challenged, from time to time, in reconciling their own personal sets of values and beliefs with the stated philosophies and values of the organisation with whom they are employed as well as the understandings underpinning good child protection practice

Understanding the values and principles underlying your practiceNextNextSteps towards developing your own professional framework

Understanding the values and principles underlying your practiceExercise: Values and understandingsNextList 3 key beliefs or understandings about sound parenting and/or what constitutes child abuse or neglectConsider key influences from childhood that may shape these beliefs and understandingsConsider other influences from outside of family (e.g. education, work experience, other relationships or life events) that may confirm, add to or change these values and beliefs1.2.3.Self-care and maintaining a work-life balanceNextDiscovering the right balance for you requires:Self-monitoring your own wellbeing and reactions and responses to demandsReflecting on what you need to achieve a healthy balance and identifying realistic goalsPlanning strategies to build on factors that are helpful and eliminating or reducing the impact of those that arentImplementing strategies sometimes with the help or cooperation of others (e.g. making use of supervision and de-briefing opportunities)Monitoring and reviewing the success of the selected strategies and adding to or amending them where necessary

Key elements and sets of questions (adapted from Azure Programs, Work life balance preventing burnout)

Self-care and maintaining a work-life balanceExercise: Self-care and managing your work-life balanceNextMatter% currently spent% preferably spentPersonal development (identity, self-esteem, learning, talents)Social (family, friends, groups, teams)Work (paid, voluntary, home duties, study)Spiritual (values, beliefs, religion, meaning)Heart and mind (managing emotions & thinking stress, worry, joy)Physical (exercise, sport, activity, diet, health)Relaxation (leisure, rest)Estimate % of your time, attention and energy you:Currently expend on the followingWould prefer to expend on the following to maintain a better work-life balance