Key information
- We are committed to enhancing the wellbeing of children who have entered the Out of Home Care system.
- We are focussed on resolving worries children may have about their wellbeing in care.
- We are do this through a process that is inclusive, transparent and relational.
The Wellbeing in Care process outlines how we respond to worries and concerns about children and young people in Out of Home Care to create physical, psychological and emotional safety for everyone.
The process includes priority decision-making and protective action where the allegations are of a serious or criminal nature.
- Sometimes children need to move to another care placement to ensure their immediate safety while a Wellbeing in Care process is occurring.
- Criminal allegations, including sexual or serious physical assault, are referred to police.
A suite of documents has been developed to guide the process for assessing worries or concerns about wellbeing in care. This includes a procedure, practice advice, Information Sheet, Out of Home Care Code of Conduct and several templates. The Wellbeing in Care process was previously referred to as a Care Concerns. The current process has been developed to reflect the Tasmanian Out of Home Care standards.
The Out of Home Care Child Safe Code of Conduct applies to volunteers (foster and kinship carers) and external staff from salaried care providers. This is an interim code which will remain in place until a broader Code is developed for the department. This will be developed to reflect the National Child Safe Standards and Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework for Tasmania.
The Wellbeing in Care Policy Position outlines the department’s position on responding to wellbeing concerns.
An information sheet on Wellbeing in Care Concerns is available for carers and service providers and can be viewed here.
- Read the Wellbeing in Care Concerns – Information Sheet for Carers and Service Providers (docx, 122KB)