Recording, approving and distributing a cultural support plan

The cultural support plan for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child must be recorded within the case plan in ICMS. The person responsible for recording the cultural support plan is one of the following:

• the convenor, when the case plan is developed by the family group meeting convenor
• the child safety officer (CSO) with case responsibility, when the case plan is developed by the Family Participation Program convenor
• the CSO with case responsibility, when the case plan is developed by a private convenor 
• the CSO with case responsibility, when the case plan is developed without a family group meeting being held.

The information recorded in the child’s cultural support plan must be tailored to the child’s needs and the relevant resources within their family and community. When recording information in the cultural support plan, ensure that:

• the information is clear and accurately recorded
• sufficient detail is provided for individuals to action their responsibilities with the plan
• the language used is respectful and culturally sensitive
• you do not include any information about family or community members that is not directly relevant to addressing the child’s cultural needs.

If an external convenor using a family-led decision process has developed the cultural support plan, Child Safety needs to ensure the information recorded is a true reflection of the plan the family has developed, described and agreed to

It is recommended that the cultural support plan be reviewed by the cultural practice advisor prior to being endorsed by a senior team leader or senior practitioner, and within 10 days of the family group meeting being held.

Once the case plan is endorsed, a copy of the cultural support plan will be provided to:

• the child (where age and developmentally appropriate) and explained in a way that is appropriate to their age and ability to understand. (Alternatively, consider developing a child-friendly resource.)
• the child's parents
• any other individuals responsible for action in the plan
• the child’s foster or kinship carer and the licensed care service involved in implementing the cultural support plan
• the participants in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family-led decision making process and family group meetings, and any Elders and other significant people of the child's community who will play a role in supporting the implementation of the cultural support plan (as agreed to by the family).