Overview

Families are the experts in caring for their children, however, there are times when children need other care arrangements because they have experienced harm or are at risk of harm and do not have a parent able and willing to protect them. 

Successful care arrangements require Child Safety staff to work in partnership with children, parents, carers, foster and kinship care services, and other stakeholders to meet the safety, belonging and wellbeing needs of children in care and determine whether and when the child can return home. This practice kit supports staff to strengthen their approach to making and supporting care arrangements. 

When working with children in care, remember:

• A care arrangement is a safety intervention.
• Participation and partnership are central to achieving successful care experiences for children.
• We focus on a child's need for relational, physical and legal permanency. 
• Family-based care leads to better outcomes for most children.
• We work in partnership to support carers.
• Cultural safety is critical in helping an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander child to achieve better outcomes in care.
• Carers and Child Safety are responsible for meeting the statement of standards for a child in care. 
• Carers and parents working as partners contributes greatly to the safety, belonging and wellbeing of children in care.