Information sharing
Professionals with information sharing responsibilities can share and request information with and from other Information Sharing Entities (ISEs) under the Child Information Sharing Scheme (CISS) and the Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme (FVISS). Under these schemes you can:
- Share information with ISEs to identify, assess and manage family violence risk
- Seek advice, ask for and share information about a child or young person and their family when you are concerned about their wellbeing, safety, stability and development.
If your organisation has access to Child Link, this can be used to review a child/young person's participation in key early childhood and education services and check for service sector involvement If there is an active Child Protection case with the child/young person of their family, contact Child Protection immediately for advice on next steps.
Engage and support child/young person to find the best support
It is important to talk to the child/young person about the support they want to receive where safe to do so. Children and young people should be provided with clear information to allow them to make informed choices and decisions. This can help them feel empowered and makes it more likely that they engage in the process in a positive and beneficial way.
You can:
- Take the time to listen to the child/ young person at their own pace
- Hear their thoughts and understand their situation
- Discuss your concerns about their safety and wellbeing
- Highlight the supports that are available within your organisation and/or community
- Help them to explore their options and develop appropriate plans
- Keep them informed and involved about any next steps.
Make sure that you engage children and young people in a culturally safe, developmentally appropriate and respectful way.
Engage parents/carers, if safe
It is important to talk to the parents or carers, if safe. Parental support and encouragement can help the child/young person through the process. When you engage with parents or carers it is important to do so in a safe and appropriate way. For example, do not speak to, or in front of, a person you suspect may be using violence.
Refer to (specific) community support services, other than The Orange Door
You can refer the child/young person and their family to a range of specialist support services that are available in the community. This could include:
- Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations
- Safety, wellbeing and mental and physical health concerns
- Problem behaviours
- Legal advice
- Financial help
- Housing and accommodation.