 NSW Child Protection Legislation –prenatal reporting  Risk averse climate, background of child deaths and ombudsman’s reviews- defensive interventions  Infants fastest growing category of children entering OOHC ( AIHW,2009)  Non allocation of cases antenatally by Community Services – crisis response  Myth of ‘Flight Risk’

 Early engagement to reduce risks and number of infants in care and/or identification of appropriate carer prior to birth  Strengths based, participatory process for parents and families

 Coincides with the new CS Policy in relation to Responding to Prenatal reports which requires CS to work with NSW Health to reduce risk of significant harm to the child following birth by maximizing preventative and early engagement strategies  This project trials and evaluates one strategy.

 Use in numerous countries worldwide….., NSW  Various forms but basic components: adherence to a 3 stage format; process requires the inclusion of extended family and/or broader social networks; philosophy focused on empowering family to make decisions  WA Perth Signs of Safety Model (Turnell &Edwards,2008)

 Each family is allocated an independent facilitator.  Facilitators have been recruited from Health and CS.  The facilitator liaises directly with the mother and relevant family members to prepare and support them to participate fully in the process

Meeting 1 – identifies strengths and concerns and generates a plan to address issues (soon after referral around 20 weeks). Meeting 2 – reviews progress, refines the plan and considers contingency plans (6 – 8 weeks later). Meeting 3 – reviews progress and develops birth plan (prior to birth).

Facilitator independence Focus on strengths and engaging family in problem solving Avoids use of jargon Agreement is recorded and signed off by all parties on the day Uses the “Three Houses” format ( Weld,N and Greening,M 2003 )

Qualitative 1. Interview of parents, health staff, CS staff, any other agencies involved including legal representatives regarding several facets of experience of participation in PFC 2. Developmental assessment by paediatrician at 12 months or as close as possible via RPA infant Branches clinic Quantitative 1. Number of assumptions of care at birth and in next 12 months after birth 2.If in OOHC number in kinship care and number in foster care 3. Hospitalisations to 12 months of age accessed via electronic medical record (Cerner) in SLHD and SWSLHD only ( unable to access in other local health districts) 4. Immunisations via National Register at 12 months; up to date vs not up to date 5. Number of ROSH reports to CS in 12 months after birth 6. Number of changes in plcaement in 12 months.