1. Training Sessions KTS New Systems including the Mandatory Reporter Guide 1

2. 1.Simply choose your response from the keypad buttons. 2.The light will go GREEN to confirm your response has been received. 3.You can change your answer by simply keying in your new choice. (The system will only count the last vote.) How to use the keypads

3. What part of the Non-Government sector are you from? 3 1.Drug & Alcohol 2.Family Support Service 3.Child/Youth Support Service 4.Refuge 5.Out-of-Home Care (Fostering) 6.Child Protection 7.Disability Services 8.Private Practitioner 9.Other 0 of 30 5

4. What part of NSW are you from? 4 1.Sydney & Surrounds 2.Hunter/Central Coast 3.Northern NSW 4.Southern NSW 5.Western NSW 6.Outside NSW 0 of 30 5

5. Have you previously attended a KTS Information Session? 5 1.Yes 2.No 0 of 30 5

6. Have you used the online Mandatory Reporter Guide 6 1.Yes 2.No 0 of 30 5

7. EXPECTATIONS 7

8. 8 Training Session Outline Key topic areas will include: Background of “Keep Them Safe” & Wood Report What are the changes? Reporting to CS and the NGO sector Background & development of the Mandatory Reporter Guide Review of MRG and Case studies Interagency collaboration – The key to success

9. Background to Keep Them Safe Special Commission of Inquiry into Child Protection (Wood) 111 recommendations to NSW Government Keep Them Safe is the Government’s response and 5-year plan to implement 106 of the recommendations Statewide Information Session rollout completed Legislation changes to Information Exchange – October 2009 Proclamation 24 January 2010 Phase 2 – includes contextualised training for sectors 9

10. Goals of Keep Them Safe All children in NSW are healthy, happy and safe and grow up belonging in families and communities where they have opportunities to reach their full potential All agencies such as Health, Education, Police and Human Services (Housing, Juvenile Justice, Disability Services) should expand their role in supporting children Fewer children and young people reported to Community Services More families supported on a local level in a coordinated approach by other government agencies and NGOs 10

11. What are the Changes? Role of NGOs and increased funding to NGOs New Reporting threshold to Community Services New Grounds for Reporting Information Exchange Reporting process to Community Services 11

12. KTS and the Non-Government sector NGOs have an expanded role in KTS, as part of the new shared responsibility approach to child wellbeing. More than 40% of the KTS funding will go to NGOs as recognition of their increased role in the new system. 6-month funding of a KTS Support Line to provide information and guidance to NGOs in the transition period. Family Referral Services will play a key role in supporting local services to coordinate service delivery and form networks for improved interagency collaboration. KTS Regional Project Managers have been appointed, they will also play a key role in facilitating local networks and interagency service planning and delivery. 12

13. New Threshold for Reporting New statutory reporting threshold to ‘risk of significant harm’ New statutory reporting threshold to ‘risk of significant harm’ 13 The legislation does not define the term “significant” Need to rely on policy definition

14. What is Risk of Significant Harm? Sufficiently serious to warrant a response by a statutory authority irrespective of a family’s consent Not minor or trivial May be reasonably expected to produce a substantial and demonstrably adverse impact on the child or young person’s safety, welfare or wellbeing Can result from a single act or omission or an accumulation of these 14

15. Why the need to increase the threshold? NSW – lowest threshold for reporting children at risk Contributed to an overwhelmed statutory system (Wood) Reduce demand on the system Ensure children at ROSH receive a timely and appropriate response from CS Help non-ROSH cases receive support and services 15

16. New Grounds for Reporting Section 23 of the Act outlines the grounds for reporting to Community Services. Includes Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Psychological Harm, Neglect, Exposure to Domestic Violence, and Carer Concerns. In addition, now the Act contains an additional 2 grounds for reporting 16

17. New Grounds for Reporting Section 23 (1) (b) – Educational Neglect Parent or Carer has not arranged (and is unable or unwilling to arrange) for their child to receive an education Section 23 (2) – Cumulative Harm A series of acts or omissions when viewed together may establish a pattern of significant harm 17

18. Information Exchange New laws applying to the sharing/exchange of information about children and young people commenced on 30 October 2009 Chapter 16A of the Act clearly prioritises the safety, welfare and wellbeing of a child or young person over an individual’s right to privacy Allows government and non government organisations who are “prescribed bodies” to exchange information that relates to a child or young person’s safety, welfare or wellbeing whether or not the child or young person is known to CS and whether or not the child or young person consents to the information exchange. 18

19. Who are “Prescribed Bodies”? NSW Police NSW Government Departments Schools Health Child Wellbeing Units (CWU) Family Referral Services (FRS) Any other organisation that has direct supervision of the provision of health care, welfare, education, children’s services, residential services or law enforcement to children. Note – This applies only to staff who are Mandatory Reporters in the above bodies 19

20. When can agencies or NGOs request or provide information from others? Information must relate to the safety, welfare or wellbeing of a child or young person. The information may assist the agency to: –Make decisions or undertake an assessment or plan; –Initiate or conduct an investigation; –Provide a service; –Manage any risk to the child or young person. 20

21. What kind of information can be exchanged? Information on: A child or young person’s circumstances or history; A parent or family member; People having a significant or relevant relationship with a child or young person; or The other agencies’ dealings with the child or young person, including past support or service arrangements 21

22. NGO Reporting to CS In 2008/2009 – 309,676 child protection reports made to CS Apr-Jun Quarter 2009 – total of 71,879 reports to CS Mandatory Reporters made 76% of the reports to CS in this quarter Mandatory Reporters from Non-Government organisations made 11% of the reports to CS in this quarter. 22

23. Reports by NGOs to CS From April to June 2009, NGOs made 11% of the reports to DoCS by Mandatory Reporters, and 8% of the reports to DoCS overall. 23

24. What is being reported by NGOs? Neglect18% Physical Abuse17% Domestic Violence15% Emotional Abuse10% Carer: Mental Health9.4% Drug/Alcohol use by Carer7.6% Sexual Abuse7.6% Runaway C/YP3.8% Carer: Other Issues3% No Risk or Harm2.6% Drug/Alcohol use by C/YP2.5% Suicide Risk C/YP1.9% Child Inappropriate Sexual Beh.1.5% 60% of all reports made by NGOs 40% of all reports made by NGOs Source: DoCS Annual Report 2008.2009 24

25. Overview of Mandatory Reporter Guide (MRG) Developed specifically for NSW by Children’s Research Center in USA. Assist mandatory reporters to determine whether their concerns about a child or young person constitutes Risk of Significant Harm under the new legislative threshold. Forms part of the Keep Them Safe framework for all agencies working with children/young people and families. It is an online, interactive guide and is also available in hard copy format. Not a replacement for professional judgement but supports decision making 25

26. Overview of Mandatory Reporter Guide (MRG) Works by posing questions that help mandatory reporters work systematically through the issues relating to concerns they have about a child or young person. At the end of the process, a decision report will guide the reporter as to what action to take. 26

27. Where do I get the MRG? The MRG is available on line either on the Keep Them Safe website, www.keepthemsafe.nsw.gov.au or on the Community Services website, www.community.nsw.gov.au. These links and others are contained in your participant guide.www.keepthemsafe.nsw.gov.auwww.community.nsw.gov.au You do not need a username or log in to access the site. If going through the Keep Them Safe website, you will see the front page like this.... 27

28. Online MRG Tool at www.keepthemsafe.nsw.gov.au 28

29. Mandatory Reporter Guide 29

30. Mandatory Reporter Guide 30

31. MRG Decision Trees Physical AbuseNeglectSexual Abuse Psychological HarmRelinquishing Care Carer Concern Unborn Child There are 7 MRG Decision Trees Selecting a Decision Tree to start with is the 1 st step in completing the MRG Three of the Decision Trees (Neglect, Sexual Abuse & Carer Concern) have a second level Decision Tree to choose. 31

32. Neglect Decision Tree Neglect SupervisionShelter/EnvironmentFoodMedical CareMental Health CareEducation 32

33. Sexual Abuse Decision Tree Sexual Abuse Of child Of Young Person Problematic Sexual Behaviour 33

34. Carer Concern Decision Tree Carer Concern Substance Abuse Mental Health Domestic Violence 34

35. Unborn Child Decision Tree USE THIS WHEN: You are concerned for the welfare of an unborn child upon his/her birth NOTE – reports relating to an unborn child are not mandatory. HOWEVER - Those with mandatory reporting responsibility should consider the benefits for the mother and unborn child of making a report to enable support services to be put into place or to prepare for statutory intervention if required. 35

36. After selecting the Decision Tree...Answer the Questions using the Definitions carefully 36

37. Tips to using the Definitions Remember that the definitions are the most important part of the MRG. Applying the definitions correctly is the most important factor in achieving consistency amongst all mandatory reporters Consider what you already know Read the Definition carefully. 37

38. More tips.... Remember to consider the “AND” and “OR” parts of the definition. “AND” definitions require you to agree with more than one part of the definition, “OR” definitions require you to agree with one or the other parts of the definition. Read right to the end of the definition (to the full stop) before deciding if it’s a “YES” or “NO” Focus only on one question at a time 38

39. Continue to answer questions until you reach a Final Decision 39

40. Final Decision Types - ROSH IF your concern meets the ROSH threshold the Final Decision will either be: Depending on the urgency of the concerns. ASAP Most direct means May also require medical and/or police response Immediate Report to CS Within 24 hours Phone, fax, e-report Report to CS 40

41. What CS will do with your report Apply Structured Decision Making Tools to determine whether the risk of significant harm threshold has been met (the MRG is a guide only and indicates suspected ROSH – the Helpline is responsible for determining ROSH) Provide written feedback to you about whether the ROSH threshold has been met In addition, Community Services may Refer the family to Brighter Futures; Offer ongoing services/further assessment to the child/young person, other individual family members, or the family together; or Arrange protective placement for the child/young person Irrespective of what CS does, it is important to maintain your professional relationship with the family as far as appropriate and possible. 41

42. Final Decision Types – Non ROSH IF your concern does not meet the ROSH threshold the Final Decision can be: Consult with a Professional Document & Continue Relationship Referrals 42

43. Consult with a Professional If you still have concerns, and have not met ROSH - discuss possible actions with your supervisor, colleague, and/or report to CS Helpline Your agency may provide advice on who to contact in your agency or elsewhere to discuss CP concerns You may refer directly to an appropriate service, contact a service to assist in identifying supports or services, or seek additional information under Exchange of Information provisions e.g. Family Referral Service (if available); the DV Line; HsNet (NSW Govt. Human Services website) or on Families NSW Website KTS Support Line Consult with a Professional 43

44. Document & Continue Relationship You are not required to report You will need to document the decision and continue your professional relationship with family members, where appropriate Document relevant information about your concerns based on your agency's policies Print and file the MRG Decision Report If your role includes an ongoing relationship with the family, maintain relationship so that if conditions worsen, you can report to CS if need be. KTS Support Line Document & Continue Relationship 44

45. Referrals Access suitable referrals through the NSW Government's Human Services website, HSNet Consult with a Family Referral Service, where available. You may call them for information to pass to the family, or you may provide relevant information for the Service so they can contact the family directly Use your agency's existing referral network KTS Support Line Referrals This decision point occurs when there is no significant harm and also no risk of significant harm, but the family may benefit from services and appear open to services. You may respond in a number of ways depending on your knowledge of and relationships with family members 45

46. KTS Support Line (KTSSL) 46 The KTS Support Line is a transitional service that aims to provide information, support and guidance to mandatory reporters from NGOs Ph 1800 772 479 Hours of Operation 8am to 5pm – Monday to Friday (Excluding public holidays).

47. KTS Support Line (KTSSL) 47 x The KTSSL will provide: Advice and support to mandatory reporters in their application, location and use of the MRG; An educative role in understanding the new threshold of Risk of Significant Harm; Impartial guidance and support when cases do not require referral to Community Services (Non-ROSH); An educative role for NGOs in understanding the changes to child protection under KTS

48. KTS Support Line (KTSSL) 48 x Limitations of Service Delivery: The KTSSL does not: Collect specific information regarding child safety concerns; Collect identifying information about a family or the child/ren; Provide a case management function; Does not have capacity to conduct history checks as no client information is recorded

49. Remember... Irrespective of a report to CS, consider whether your concerns should be shared with other agencies connected with the child/young person such as: Education Health/Mental Health mental health Juvenile Justice Housing ADHC CS 49

50. Using the MRG with Case Studies 6 case studies – we will examine 3 case studies Decide on appropriate MRG Decision Tree Then use MRG to answer questions to determine whether issues constitute ROSH Using Interactive Keypads Results compiled instantly 50

51. 51 Case Study 1 Liliana & Fernando

52. Question 1 - Which Decision Tree would you use? 52 1.Physical Abuse 2.Neglect 3.Sexual Abuse 4. Psychological Harm 5. Relinquishing Care 6. Carer Concern 7. Unborn Child 0 of 30 5

53. Question 2 - What is the Carer Concern? 53 1.Substance Abuse 2.Mental Health 3.Domestic Violence 0 of 30 5

54. Question 3 - Does the parent mental health concern impact or is it likely to impact on her ability to meet the children’s needs; cause significant harm; and/or does the children’s behaviour indicate the impact of parent’s mental health concern? 54 1.Yes 2.No 0 of 30 5

55. Question 4 – Are you aware of another parent/carer who adequately provides for and protects the child/young person? 55 0 of 30 1.Yes 2.No 5

56. Question 5 – Is there a child under age 5 or a child/young person with a disability? 56 1.Yes 2.No 0 of 30 5

57. Question 6 – Do you have other concerns about the safety, welfare or wellbeing of the child/young person? 57 1.Yes 2.No 0 of 30 5

58. FINAL DECISION Report to Community Services 58

59. WHY? 59

60. 60 Case Study 2 Isabella, Olivia & Sofia

61. Question 1 - Which Decision Tree would you use? 61 1.Physical Abuse 2.Neglect 3.Sexual Abuse 4. Psychological Harm 5. Relinquishing Care 6. Carer Concern 7. Unborn Child 0 of 30 5

62. Question 2a – Are you aware that the child/young person experiences or is exposed to chronic/severe domestic violence? 62 1.Yes 2.No 0 of 30 5

63. Question 2b – Are you aware that the child/young person experiences or is exposed to severe parental mental health or substance abuse concerns? 63 1.Yes 2.No 0 of 30 5

64. Question 2c – Are you aware that the child/young person experiences or is exposed to severe parental behaviours that are persistent, repetitive, and have a negative impact on a child/young person’s development, social needs, self-worth or self-esteem? 64 1.Yes 2.No 0 of 30 5

65. Question 2d – Are you aware that the child/young person experiences or is exposed to parental criminal and/or corrupting behaviour? 65 1.Yes 2.No 0 of 30 5

66. Question 2e – Are you aware that the child/young person experiences or is exposed to parental behaviour that deliberately exposed a child/young person to traumatic events? 66 1.Yes 2.No 0 of 30 5

67. Question 3 – Does the child/young person exhibit emotions and/or behaviours that indicate the child/young person is significantly affected? 67 1.Yes 2.No 0 of 30 5

68. FINAL DECISION Consult with a Professional 68

69. WHY? 69

70. 70 Case Study 3 Madeleine

71. Question 1 - Which Decision Tree would you use? 71 1.Physical Abuse 2.Neglect 3.Sexual Abuse 4. Psychological Harm 5. Relinquishing Care 6. Carer Concern 7. Unborn Child 0 of 30 5

72. Question 2 – Is parent/carer stating he/she is no longer willing to provide shelter/good/supervision for child/young person, effective immediately? 72 1.Yes 2.No 0 of 30 5

73. Question 3 – Has child/young person been in voluntary care more than 3 of the past 12 months? 73 1.Yes 2.No 0 of 30 5

74. Question 4 – Is there an alternative care arrangement in place for the next 72 hours? 74 1.Yes 2.No 0 of 30 5

75. FINAL DECISION Immediate Report to Community Services 75

76. WHY? 76

77. 77 Case Study 4 Luca

78. Question 1 - Which Decision Tree would you use? 78 1.Physical Abuse 2.Neglect 3.Sexual Abuse 4. Psychological Harm 5. Relinquishing Care 6. Carer Concern 7. Unborn Child 0 of 30 5

79. Question 2 – What type of Neglect? 79 1.Supervision 2.Physical Shelter or Environment 3.Food 4.Medical Care for Medical Professionals 5.Medical Care for Non-medical Professionals 6.Mental Health Care 7.Education – Not Enrolled 8.Education – Habitual Absence 0 of 30 5

80. Question 3 – Does child/young person have a physical health condition that appears to need immediate care but care is not being provided? 80 1.Yes 2.No 0 of 30 5

81. Question 4 – Does child/young person have a medical condition that requires an ongoing treatment plan that is not being followed? 81 1.Yes 2.No 0 of 30 5

82. FINAL DECISION Document & Continue Relationship 82

83. WHY? 83

84. 84 Case Study 5 Ruby

85. Question 1 - Which Decision Tree would you use? 85 1.Physical Abuse 2.Neglect 3.Sexual Abuse 4. Psychological Harm 5. Relinquishing Care 6. Carer Concern 7. Unborn Child 0 of 30 5

86. Question 2 – Are you aware or reasonably suspicious of a current injury? 86 1.Yes 2.No 0 of 30 5

87. Question 3 – Does child/young person or another person (including reporter) say that the injury was caused by parent/carer AND it was not accidental? 87 1.Yes 2.No 0 of 30 5

88. Question 4 – Is the injury suspicious? 88 1.Yes 2.No 0 of 30 5

89. Question 5 – Is explanation inconsistent? 89 1.Yes 2.No 0 of 30 5

90. Question 6 – Are there injuries of various ages? 90 1.Yes 2.No 0 of 30 5

91. FINAL DECISION Document & Continue Relationship 91

92. WHY? 92

93. 93 Case Study 6 Sam

94. Question 1 - Which Decision Tree would you use? 94 1.Physical Abuse 2.Neglect 3.Sexual Abuse 4. Psychological Harm 5. Relinquishing Care 6. Carer Concern 7. Unborn Child 0 of 30 5

95. Question 2a – Are you aware that the child/young person experiences or is exposed to chronic/severe domestic violence? 95 1.Yes 2.No 0 of 30 5

96. Question 2b – Are you aware that the child/young person experiences or is exposed to severe parental mental health or substance abuse concerns? 96 1.Yes 2.No 0 of 30 5

97. Question 2c – Are you aware that the child/young person experiences or is exposed to severe parental behaviours that are persistent, repetitive, and have a negative impact on a child/young person’s development, social needs, self-worth or self-esteem? 97 1.Yes 2.No 0 of 30 5

98. Question 2d – Are you aware that the child/young person experiences or is exposed to parental criminal and/or corrupting behaviour? 98 1.Yes 2.No 0 of 30 5

99. Question 2e – Are you aware that the child/young person experiences or is exposed to parental behaviour that deliberately exposed a child/young person to traumatic events? 99 1.Yes 2.No 0 of 30 5

100. FINAL DECISION Document & Continue Relationship HOWEVER – as this child is in the Care of the Minister, the concerns that the carer has should still be reported to Community services as this is an issue that the CS Caseworker needs to be aware of. 100

101. WHY? 101

102. Reminders about the use of the MRG  Child’s safety, welfare and wellbeing is the paramount consideration  There will be unusual circumstances that don’t fit neatly into decision trees  There will be situations that are difficult to answer yes/no  You are never prohibited from reporting to CS, but always complete or attempt to complete the MRG first  If you need help, contact your agency leader or KTS Support Line 102

103. Increased role of NGOs De-emphasis on CS as the major agency responsible for children/young people Work together to build on good work achieved and create a stronger service system Interagency Collaboration - The Key to Success 103

104. Examples of how KTS hopes to improve Interagency Collaboration Improving Interagency Collaboration Interagency Guidelines Common Assessment Framework Information Exchange Referral Processes NGO Workforce Development Family Case Management 104

105. Group Activity In small groups, consider: 1. What are the strengths of your current practice in your agency in networking and collaboration? 2. What are the opportunities for enhancing collaboration in your local areas? Come back to the large group after 10 minutes to discuss as a whole group. 105

106. HSNet – What is it? Free, secure website for all staff working in the NSW Human Services sector. Whole of government initiative to support agencies deliver services in a coordinated and effective way. Provides a central location for sharing information across government and non-government agencies. Enables you to locate services such as health, housing, family, legal and community across NSW as well as join Groups, see Events and make and receive e-Referrals. 106

107. How do I access HSNet? Go to www.hsnet.nsw.gov.auwww.hsnet.nsw.gov.au 107

108. Features of HSNet 108

109. Features of HSNet 109

110. ServiceLink on HSNet ServiceLink is a comprehensive online directory of human services across NSW available free to members of HSNet. Provides organisational and service information across a variety of sector including health, welfare, community services, education, disability, aged care, legal and housing. Aims to help frontline staff quickly and efficiently find information about the services available to assist their clients. Services can be found by entering keywords or by browsing a set of topics. For example, browsing can be done by service type, e.g. grief counselling, or by a problem or issue e.g. drug addiction. Each record contains detailed information about the organisation and service they provide. 110

111. ServiceLink on HSNet 111

112. HSNet Workshops For Government or Non Government employees from NSW Human Services Sector Register online to attend. Bi-monthly sessions (June, August, October, December 2010) in Sydney from 9:30am – 12:30pm. Workshops offer the opportunity to gain skills in accessing resources through the HSNet website, searching for information using ServiceLink and using the e-Referral tool. HSNet website also has many Fact Sheets and tip sheets to help you navigate the website and ServiceLink. 112

113. Summary Background to Wood and Keep Them Safe Report What are the Changes – (Reporting Threshold, New Grounds for Reporting, Information Exchange, Reporting process to Helpline) Reporting to CS and the Non Government sector Background & Development of the MRG Review of MRG Decision Trees & Definitions Use of MRG with Case Studies Interagency Collaboration – The Key to Success 113

114. Contacts & Resources Keep Them Safe Support Line at the Child Protection Helpline. Phone 1800 772 479 (8am-5pm Mon-Fri) Keep Them Safe website www.keepthemsafe.nsw.gov.au www.keepthemsafe.nsw.gov.au Community Services website www.community.nsw.gov.au www.community.nsw.gov.au HSNet website www.hsnet.nsw.gov.au www.hsnet.nsw.gov.au ACWA website www.acwa.asn.au www.acwa.asn.au 114

115. QUESTIONS? 115