Most initial investigations take about a month, however sometimes Community Services will take longer to make an assessment. These investigations will be done by workers within the Community Services Child Protection team. After assessment the family’s case may be: closed referred to Brighter Futures Program referred to Strengthening Families teams – case management team within the local Community Services Centre with a focus of intervention, or remain with the Child Protection team in Community Services The level of action taken by Community Services will be in keeping with Community Services’ assessment of the level of risk of harm to the child’s safety, welfare and wellbeing. Tips for advocates: Contact the Community Services worker and let them know how you are involved with the parent. Suggest a safety planning meeting. Attend this meeting with the parent. Encourage the parent to engage with the Department and take every opportunity to address the concerns raised. Help the parent see the connection between working with services and keeping his or her child. CASE SCENARIOS CASE EXAMPLE 1-RITA Rita has a mild intellectual disability and has previously had two children removed from her care at birth. She is now 6 months pregnant. She was in an abusive relationship when her children were removed 2 years ago. She is now living alone and desperately wants to keep her baby.
Most initial investigations take about a month, however sometimes Community Services will take longer to make an assessment. These investigations will be done by workers within the Community Services Child Protection team. After assessment the family’s case may be: closed referred to Brighter Futures Program referred to Strengthening Families teams – case management team within the local Community Services Centre with a focus of intervention, or remain with the Child Protection team in Community Services The level of action taken by Community Services will be in keeping with Community Services’ assessment of the level of risk of harm to the child’s safety, welfare and wellbeing. Tips for advocates: Contact the Community Services worker and let them know how you are involved with the parent. Suggest a safety planning meeting. Attend this meeting with the parent. Encourage the parent to engage with the Department and take every opportunity to address the concerns raised. Help the parent see the connection between working with services and keeping his or her child. CASE SCENARIOS CASE EXAMPLE 1-RITA Rita has a mild intellectual disability and has previously had two children removed from her care at birth. She is now 6 months pregnant. She was in an abusive relationship when her children were removed 2 years ago. She is now living alone and desperately wants to keep her baby.