Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and implement a multi-agency investigation and assessment strategy in response to an allegation of child abuse and neglect.
This unit applies to a range of child protection occupations in government and non-government organisations where assessment of children at risk is a critical part of the job role.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria specify the level of performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Identify appropriate strategies for investigation and assessment | 1.1 Identify key agencies and personnel to be involved in investigation and assessment 1.2 Consult with each agency and individual practitioners to define roles and responsibilities 1.3 Collect and share relevant agency information 1.4 Assess and clarify range issues to be addressed in response to the child’s identified needs 1.5 Identify and respond appropriately to specific client characteristics including cultural, family and community issues 1.6 Liaise and consult with other agencies and personnel within organisation and reference appropriate interagency frameworks and protocols 1.7 Identify and assess potential risks to child, family and others 1.8 Assess and evaluate a range of intervention options according to the needs of the child and situation |
2. Select and implement the strategy | 2.1 Use child protection frameworks to select and agree to the strategy for the investigation 2.2 Plan and support the implementation of practical arrangements 2.3 Implement the strategy that best meets the needs of the child and secures the safety and wellbeing of the child 2.4 Facilitate and support appropriate referrals as required 2.5 Record actions for strategy implementation according to organisation and interagency framework |
3. Monitor and review the strategy | 3.1 Define negotiable and non-negotiable aspects of the response strategy and implement processes to ensure these are maintained and monitored 3.2 Revise strategy in response to new information and changing circumstances 3.3 Manage communication between agencies for monitoring and review of strategy during and following action 3.4 Evaluate the effectiveness of the investigation and strategy, with reference to all agencies involved |
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance. |
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency. |