Support a care arrangement

Work in partnership

Child Safety, foster and kinship care services, approved carers and non-family-based care service providers have common responsibilities for children in care.  

Child Safety will work in partnership with the child’s care arrangement to implement and achieve the agreed goal and outcomes of the child’s case plan. This may include collaborating to:

• Establish the child's safety and support network, if one is currently not in place. Refer to the practice guide Safety and support networks and high intensity responses.
• Ensure the carer, their support worker or a representative from the non-family-based care service provider is included in the membership of the child’s safety and support network.
• Schedule placement meetings to occur at least every 6 months, or as required if there is a change in the child’s care needs or care arrangement. Refer to Arrange the placement meeting.
• Co-ordinate service delivery and network responsibilities to provide the best response to the child.
• Identify and address concerns about the child or care arrangement, should they arise. Refer to Respond to concerns about the standards of care or harm to a child in care.

Arrange to meet with the carer, their support worker or non-family-based care service providers at regular intervals to ensure the placement agreement:

• provides those responsible for the child’s daily care with the most recent information about the child’s needs
• responds to the need for additional supports to meet the child’s needs or to assist those caring for the child to meet the child’s needs
• reflects the changing family contact schedules and cultural contact arrangements
• shares responsibility for meeting the child’s needs
• helps the parties to be clear about their role and responsibilities, and that of others in the child’s safety and support network.

Provide updated information relevant to the child’s ongoing care

After a carer commences caring for a child, the Child Protection Act 1999, section 83A(2) requires carers to be provided with information about a child that they reasonably need to provide for the child’s going care. If it is reasonably required, provide the carer with information:

• that updates or corrects information previously given
• a copy of the child’s case plan
• about the child's goals, personality preferences and behaviours
• about any special behaviour management needs of the child
• about the child’s family, culture and background
• about any arrangements for contact between the child and the child’s family group
• about the child’s specific needs including cultural needs, educational needs and support needs, if applicable
• other relevant information.

Provide the carer with comprehensive information in a way that is easy for the carer to understand, Child Protection Act 1999, section 83A(6).

Respond proactively to emerging issues

If emerging issues about a child’s care arrangement are identified that do not require a standard of care consultation meeting (SOC consultation meeting) with the service provider to discuss a standard of care review or harm report, respond proactively to ensure the identified issue does not continue or escalate.

Discuss the emerging issues with the senior team leader for their decision about the next steps. Also make sure:

• the placement agreement is current, and whether an early review of the placement agreement may be required (Refer to Review the placement agreement.)
• that any agreed actions and supports identified at the placement meeting have been completed or are being actioned by those responsible for them (and if not, address the outstanding actions as soon as possible)  
• to review the adequacy of contact with the child and their carer or care arrangementand the nature of the support being provided to the care arrangement. (Refer to Procedure 5 Have contact with a child in care.)

Discuss the emerging issues with the carer’s support worker from the foster and kinship care service provider, or the manager or coordinator of the service for a non-family-based care arrangement.

The purpose of the discussion is to:

• identify the additional supports or strategies that can be quickly mobilised to address the emerging issues (Refer to Provide support to the carer.)
• clarify who will be responsible for putting these supports and strategies in place.

Document the discussion in an ICMS case note, Care arrangement support, in the child’s placement event.

Where relevant, consider and address any systemic matters that may be contributing to the emerging issues, such as:

• the number of children placed in the care arrangement and the complexity of their needs
• the provision of and access to support and training for either the carers or the staff member of a non-family-based service provider
• whether the care arrangement has been provided with all the relevant information about the child’s needs and behaviours (Refer to Prepare the care arrangement for the child’s arrival.)
• actions about the matching of the child’s needs and characteristics with the carer’s capacity and capability to meet the child’s needs. (Refer to the policy Foster care matching: a partnership approach.)  

Fulfil legislative requirements in relation to placement agreements

The Child Protection Act 1999, section 84, requires Child Safety and an approved carer to enter into a written agreement regarding a child's care when a child is subject to a: 

• care agreement, assessment order or temporary custody order

• a child protection order granting custody or guardianship to the chief executive
  and

• the child is placed with, or is to be placed with:  
  • a foster, kinship or provisionally approved carer
  • a non-family-based service provider (Refer to Types of Care arrangements.)
  • another entity who has been issued with an authority to care for the child—such as a care arrangement with an Individualised placement and support agreement or one funded through child related costs.

Negotiate the placement agreement

The placement agreement is developed in collaboration with the child’s carer and their support worker from the foster and kinship care service, or for a child placed in a non-family-based care arrangement, with the manager or coordinator of that service. Where possible, arrange a placement meeting to negotiate and develop the placement agreement.

Consider inviting the young person to attend or contribute to the placement meeting, particularly if they are transitioning to adulthood. (Refer to Procedure 5 Support a young person’s transition to adulthood.)

If one of the parties is unable to attend the placement meeting in person, advise them that arrangements can be made to enable them to take part using audio or video conferencing, or by telephone.

Prepare for the placement meeting

Before holding the placement meeting, gather the following information to help develop the placement agreement:

• actions outlined in the child’s case plan that are relevant to the care arrangement (family contact arrangements, cultural support, educational needs, medical and therapeutic services accessed etc)
• the child’s level of support needs  as referenced in the care arrangements referral—refer to Determine the child’s level of support needs
• the Child strength and needs assessment in ICMS, taking in to account any changes to the child’s needs since its completion
• any worries the child may have about the care arrangement—refer to Prepare child for the care arrangement
• information provided about the child by the former care arrangement (if applicable)—refer to the Conclusion of care arrangement form
• the supports and strategies requested by family-based care service provider or the non-family-based care service provider as part of their offer to care for the child—refer to Review offers from service providers
• issues that may have emerged since the time the child’s care arrangement was negotiated that need to be shared with meeting participants.

If the child has complex or extreme support needs, consider asking the region’s Investment and partnership team for information about the nature of the service providers funding, such as the funding to provide high-plus places, wrap-around supports, flexible funding or intensive foster care services. Ask the service provider what additional supports they are providing to the care arrangement or could provide from such funding.

If the placement meeting is to review a placement agreement for an ongoing care arrangement, refer to Prepare for the placement meeting to review the placement agreement.

Arrange the placement meeting

Arrange a suitable time and location for the placement meeting, preferably before the child’s care arrangement commences.  If it is not possible to complete the placement agreement before the placement commences, arrange a placement meeting within 3 business days of the care arrangement commencing.

If a placement meeting cannot be held within 3 business days, make sure the carer and their foster and kinship care service provider, or the non-family-based care service provider, has been provided with all the necessary information and documentation to meet the child’s daily care needs, including the:

• authority to care form
• a current copy of the child's care arrangement referral form, or for a kinship carer or an interstate carer or service provider, provide an updated Child information form, parts A and B only
• child health passport folder
• Medicare card or Medicare care card number
• information from the child’s case plan relevant to the care arrangement
• Conclusion of care arrangement form, if provided by the former care arrangement.

Arrange a placement meeting even if there is limited available information about the child and their needs – such as when a child has come into contact with Child Safety in urgent circumstances. Schedule another placement meeting to review the placement agreement within a short timeframe, when more information is known about the child’s care needs. Refer to When to undertake an early review of the placement agreement.

Develop the placement agreement

Provide the carer and the family-based or non-family-based care service provider with the opportunity to:

• raise any concerns for the child’s safety or the safety of others in the care arrangement
• seek additional information about the child’s health, particularly any immediate health care needs, immunisations, allergies, and prescribed medications
• discuss the management of the child’s high-risk behaviours, if applicable
• suggest additional supports that may assist the child or them to meet the child’s specific needs in the care arrangement.

In addition, discuss as relevant:

• each of the matters specified in the Child Protection Regulation 2023, section 5. (Refer to Fulfil legislative requirements in relation to placement agreements.)

• for a carer who is a member of the child’s family, any support needs associated with their dual role

• information from other agencies involved with the child, including education services, therapeutic services, and the child’s NDIS service providers

• the frequency and purpose of the CSOs contact with the child in the care arrangement

• the additional supports to be provided by the service provider—such as those associated with an intensive foster and kinship care program, high-plus funding or the payment of child related costs directly to the service provider.

Record the placement agreement

Create a Placement agreement in the child’s placement event in ICMS and record the details of the placement meeting.

Provide a copy of the placement agreement to the carer and their support worker from the family-based care service, and for a child in a non-family-based care arrangement, to the manager or coordinator of the service. Make sure this occurs in a timely way so that the participants have immediate access to the information in the agreement to help them work with the child and support the care arrangement.

Review the placement agreement

The placement agreement will be reviewed, with the carer and their support worker from the family-based care service provider, or the non-family-based service provider, at least every 6 months.

The review ensures the placement agreement provides up to date information, reflects the current supports needs and is consistent with the child’s case plan. This review may occur before, during, or after a family group meeting or a review of the child’s case plan. (Refer to Procedure 5 Case planning.)

The placement agreement may need to be reviewed before 6 months if a child’s needs or case plan significantly changes. An early review may be triggered for a range of reasons, including those outlined in the table below.

When to undertake an early review of the placement agreement

Prepare for the placement meeting to review the placement agreement

Before arranging the placement meeting to review the current placement agreement, gather relevant information needed to inform the discussion. This includes information about:

• the tasks identified in the current placement agreement, and the progress made to complete these
• the effectiveness of supports and strategies provided to the care arrangement under the existing placement agreement
• matters that have emerged since the current placement agreement was developed that need to be shared with meeting participants
• the child’s views about the care arrangement including any worries the child may have about the care arrangement
• changes to child’s case plan that may impact on the care arrangement—such as family contact arrangements;  arrangements for the child’s connection to their culture of origin; actions to further embed the connection principle as requierd by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle; educational needs; medical and therapeutic services accessed etc)
• outstanding requests for additional supports or services made by the carer or service provider
• actions taken, or yet to be taken, to address concerns arising from a standard of care review or an investigation and assessment of a harm report that has arisen since the last placement agreement—refer to Respond when the standards of care are not met, or for a harm report, Develop an action plan for a carer or Ensure an action plan is developed by the non-family-based care service provider.

Schedule the placement meeting with the carer and their support worker, or for a child in a non-family-based care arrangement, with the coordinator or manager. Refer to Develop the placement agreement, and  Record the placement agreement.

Provide support to the carer

The Child Protection Act 1999, section 148E, requires Child Safety to provide approved carers caring for a child with, or to access to, support and training to the extent it is practical and appropriate in the circumstances, to assist them care for the child. This includes:

• support to help them care for the child, including for example:
  • information and advice about providing care for children
  • short break care to support the care arrangement
  • access to support persons
    and
  • other support relevant to the child’s particular needs, including information about financial assistance
• training programs that maintain or develop the carer’s ability to care for children.

Approved carers should have the majority of their support needs met by their funded care service provider. During visits to the child's care arrangement, consider the carers need for: 

• practical supports—arrange timely referrals to specialist services in line with the child’s case plan
• financial supports—facilitate the carers access to carer payments, including high support needs allowance, complex support needs allowance, and reimbursements from child related costs.
• emotional and psychological supports—ask the carer if they need additional support, particularly at times of stress (such as when challenging behaviours are escalating, or when a child is leaving the care arrangement.)

Carers require additional support during times of stress. They are more likely to experience stress:

• when they are struggling to deal with a child’s high risk behaviours, including a child who has experienced trauma, or is displaying violent or harmful sexual behaviours, or has a mental health or neuro-developmental disability
• if there have been several stressful events over the past 6 months
• where supports, services or strategies are required to enhance the carer's ability to meet the child’s specific needs—refer to Decide on supports for the proposed care arrangement.

Advise foster and kinship carers that they can access:

• their service provider’s on-call arrangements for after-hours support
• the Foster and kinship carer support line—refer to Consider a referral to the foster and kinship care support line
• CSAHSC (or if there are concerns for a child’s safety and wellbeing outside of business hours, complete the Child Safety After Hours Service Centre: After hours referral form)
• the Connecting with carers website, for carer resource information.

Respond to the support needs of kinship carers

Kinship carers' support needs may be different and more complex than foster carers, due to family dynamics and history.

Recognise the knowledge the kinship carer has about the child and the family system and support their participation in case planning and family group meetings or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Led Decision Making, if applicable.

Discuss the specific challenges and the additional supports the kinship carer may require to manage familial issues. (Refer to Develop the placement agreement.)

Consider a referral to the foster and kinship care support line

If a carer is likely to require after hours support to meet the needs of a child in their care, make a referral to the Foster and kinship care support line using the Foster and kinship care support line referral form from the carer entity Monitor and Support screen in ICMS.

A referral to the Foster and kinship care support line will be appropriate when the carer is likely to require additional support outside of Child Safety business hours, and they cannot access this support from their foster and kinship care service provider. For example, when:

• a child or sibling group have been newly placed
• a child has complex needs due to their behaviour or other special needs
• a child has high support needs due to a specific event or issue
• they are a provisionally approved or a newly approved kinship carer and need advice.  

Advise the carer that they can access the Foster and kinship care support line directly, regardless of whether the CSSC has made a referral. Provide the carer with the contact details and operating hours.

Provide support to non-family-based care services

Non-family-based service providers are responsible for recruiting, supervising, training and supporting their staff to ensure they meet the required standards of care. Non-family-based care includes:

• residential care and therapeutic residential care services
• supported independent living
• accommodation in safe houses
• arrangements for care to be provided by another entity. (Refer to Place a child with another entity or to Obtain approval to use emergent accommodation.)

To work in partnership with non-family-based care service provider:

• ensure the service provider has the information they need to care for a child, including information about:
  • the case plan
  • the child’s family and cultural background, health and educational needs,
  • NDIS plan, if applicable
  • a copy of the Child’s strengths and needs assessment form
  • the abuse or neglect the child has experienced, including sexual abuse, and whether the child demonstrates harmful sexual behaviours
• support the child placed in the care arrangement
• work with staff who are caring for the child to implement the case plan
• ensure referrals are consistent with the service agreement and funding agreement of the specific non-family-based care service provider.

Respond to a request for short break care 

Short break care can be provided to support the child and their primary care arrangement. Its purpose is to:

• enhance the child’s wellbeing
• assist in meeting case plan goals, including those relating to building and maintaining cultural connections
• support the carers to continue as primary carers for the child
• help sustain the caring relationship.

Short break arrangements can be used for diverse reasons, to respond to the child’s needs and the carer’s needs and circumstances. These can be a one-off arrangement in response to a carers emergent need to address a personal matter or can be a planned and ongoing arrangement.

Short breaks may be an informal arrangement providing care for the child for a few hours or overnight or can be a more formal arrangement for the child’s care for more than 3 nights.

If short break options are being discussed at the placement meeting:

• consider the child’s views about the proposed arrangements
• consider how a short break would support a child’s safety, belonging and wellbeing needs or whether it may be contrary to the child’s best interests
• the type, frequency and duration of short break care that is most suitable for meeting the child’s safety, belonging and wellbeing needs
• any additional supports the carer requires
• document the agreed dates and arrangements in the placement agreement,
• discuss whether dual payments of carer allowances will be requested. (Refer to the policy Dual payment of carer allowances  and the procedure Dual payment of carer allowances.)

In some instances, short breaks may not be in the immediate best interests of the child—it may negatively affect an infant's opportunity to form a secure attachment and bond with a primary carer, or destabilise the adjustment of a child who has experienced significant disruption and trauma.

When considering short breaks under these circumstances, discuss the child's need for security and whether the carer feels able to meet the child’s need to experience a stable placement without short breaks. Where there is conflict between the interests of the child and the carer’s needs, the child's needs will be prioritised. This may result a planned care arrangement not going ahead or for short breaks to be delayed, to enable the child to form a secure attachment.

Depending on the funding agreement with the specific family-based care service provider and the availability of carers within their service, the CSO may be required to complete a PSU referral to request a short break care arrangement for the child.

Informal short breaks

Carers can make decisions to allow the child to stay with another person for up to 2 nights—refer to the practice kit Care arrangements, Short breaks. Usually this would occur with a person the child has an existing relationship with, such as a trusted person in the carers support network or by a member of child’s family, cultural or social network.

Ask the carer to provide the CSSC with the name, address and phone number of the person they are proposing will provide short break care, and the dates of the proposed care.

These arrangements are not subject to the requirements of the Child Protection Act 1999. 

If the length of the proposed short break is for 3 nights or more, the child’s guardian will make the decision about whether to proceed with a proposed arrangement. Depending on the type of child protection order, the guardian will be either the child’s parents, or for a child subject to a child protection order granting long term guardianship to the chief executive, the delegated officer—refer to Procedure 5 Facilitate decision making— guardianship matters. If the chief executive is the child’s guardian, the delegated officer will ensure the child’s views about the proposed arrangement are obtained and considered.

Other short break arrangements

Recreational camps, vacation care and after-school care programs can also be considered as short break options for the child. (Refer to the procedure Child related costs - education and child care support.)

When a child is to stay overnight with kin, either in Queensland or in another state, territory or New Zealand, (for example, during school holidays), the CSSC manager will determine whether the person proposed to provide the short break arrangement will be subject to a carer assessment and approval process, or whether the arrangement will proceed as a family contact visit or holiday. (Refer to Procedure 5 Decide the nature of overnight contact with kin.)

Visit the child in their care arrangement

The CSO will have a minimum face-to-face contact with a child, in their care arrangement, once a month. (Refer to Procedure 5 Child Safety contact requirements for ongoing intervention.) If the care arrangement is not monitored via a licensing arrangement or a carer approval process, more regular face-to-face contact with the child will be required—refer to Place a child with another entity.

Other factors may trigger more frequent contact with the child, such as when:

• the child has asked to have more contact with the CSO or with the cultural practice advisor
• higher levels of support are indicated due to the complexity of the child’s needs and behaviours
• the child may be unsettled by changes to or within their care arrangement
• other members of the child’s safety and support network, or the carer’s support network, are temporarily unavailable to support the child.

Having regard to the child’s age and ability to understand, provide them with a meaningful opportunity to express their views about how their needs are being met in the care arrangement. If further support is needed to ensure their rights in the charter of rights for a child in care, Child Protection Act 1999, schedule 1, are being upheld. Arrange to talk with the child alone, to provide them with the opportunity to raise any worries they may have or to provide advice about how they would like to be supported to communicate their views or raise any worries.  Refer to the practice guide Home visits to children in care. During discussions with the child make sure to:

• be child focused
• explore the child’s worries about the care arrangement, their family or the future
• help them to feel safe.

During these visits:

• create opportunities for age appropriate participation and listen to the child’s views about decisions being made on their behalf
• be alert to changes in their views or behaviour. 

Conclude the child’s care arrangement

The conclusion of a child’s care arrangement, wherever possible, should:

• be a planned event
• happen in a way that maximises support for the child in their transition to: 
  • home
    or
  • a new care arrangement
    or
  • to independent living
• be in line with the child’s case plan.

Use the checklist Conclude a care arrangement to assist in completing the range of actions and requirements.

Plan for a care arrangement to end

To support a child who is leaving their care arrangement discuss the following with the young person, their carer or service provider, and encourage the involvement of the child’s safety and support network. Focus on: 

• The supports the child requires during the period of transition—refer to the practice kit Care arrangements, Transitions.
• Arrangements for the child to say good-bye to household members, and where appropriate, to school friends and staff.
• The nature of involvement the carer will have with the child, if an ongoing relationship with the carer is important for the child’s emotional wellbeing.
• The child’s personal belongings are identified and any different views about ownership are resolved.  

Manage an unplanned end to a care arrangement

It is not always possible to plan for a child’s care arrangement to end. An urgent move may be required:

• to ensure the child’s immediate safety and wellbeing
• when a  carer’s blue card or exemption card has expired or been cancelled
• due to the level of the child’s support needs
• when requested by the care arrangement due to a personal or other crisis.

Child decides to leave

If a child unexpectedly leaves their care arrangement and self-places to their parents’ home, carry out a safety assessment. (Refer to Procedure 2 Carry out a safety assessment.) If the outcome of the safety assessment is unsafe, the child must be immediately removed to a care arrangement.

If the child refuses to return to their care arrangement:

• Talk with the child about moving to an alternative care arrangement.
• Discuss other options with the child and the child’s parents.
• Consult with the Aboriginal community controlled organisation about safe, culturally appropriate care arrangement options, if the child is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person.
• Explore whether the child has any kin or community members who may agree to be assessed as provisionally approved carers for the child. (Refer to Enable kin to apply to be a kinship carer and  Consider the provisional approval of a carer applicant.)

Continuation of custody not granted by the court

If a care arrangement needs to end because an application for custody or guardianship of the child has not been successful (that is, the Childrens Court has not granted a subsequent child protection order or has revoked an order) the court may consider granting a transition order. This allows:

• an existing child protection order to continue for up to 28 days
• the child to more gradually transition from their care arrangement to their parents’ full-time care. (Refer to Procedure 3 Develop a transition plan.)

Respond to a child’s request to leave a care arrangement

Having regard to the child’s age and ability to understand, meet with the child to:  

• talk to them about the reasons for their request and to seek information about how they would like to be supported to communicate their views, if applicable
• give them an opportunity to express their views about how their care needs can best be met and if further support is needed to ensure their rights in the charter of rights for a child in care, Child Protection Act 1999, schedule 1, are being upheld.  
• gather all relevant information and talk through any worries they have to:  
  • ensure their views are understood and can be considered in any decisions that may need to be made
  • ensure their need for safety, belonging and wellbeing is met
  • identify strategies to resolve the worries and maintain the child’s care arrangement, if possible and appropriate. 

Seek the views of all relevant parties, including the child’s safety and support network, their parents, and the carer or the co-ordinator of the non-family-based care service, to identify strategies for resolving the issues and maintaining the care arrangement.

• Consider whether the provision of additional supports, services or strategies may provide stability for the care arrangement.
• Decide if a review of the child’s case plan is necessary.

If it appears likely that the care arrangement for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander child will end, arrange, with the consent of the child and family, for an independent person to help facilitate their participation in the decision about where and with whom the child will live. If they consent, make arrangements for the independent person’s involvement, in collaboration with the child and family. (Refer to Procedure 5 Enable participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in decision making.)

Respond to a young person’s request to live independently

If a young person advises that they want to leave their care arrangement to live independently, consult with the senior team leader and CSSC manager to consider:

• the young person’s age and maturity
• the young person’s ability to make decisions about their own safety, wellbeing and self-development
• the young person’s capacity to live independently
• the availability of licensed supported independent living services 
• the young person’s case plan, including details of transition to adulthood goals achieved to date (Refer to Procedure 5 Support a young person's transition to adulthood.)
• the Department of Education’s compulsory education and training requirements. (Refer to Procedure 5 Make sure compulsory education and training requirements are met.)
• the young person’s eligibility for Australian Government benefits. (Refer to the Services Australia website.)
• the views of all relevant parties, including the young person’s parents and safety and support network
• whether to review the young person’s case plan, to include services and supports to prepare and assist the young person to make the transition to independent living.

Respond to a carer’s request to end a care arrangement

If a carer asks to end a child’s care arrangement before the date recorded in the placement agreement,  attempt to resolve the carer’s concerns and maintain the arrangement, unless the move is considered necessary for the child’s immediate safety or wellbeing or for the safety of the carer or a member of their household.

In response to the request, convene a meeting as soon as possible with:

• the child, if appropriate
• a senior team leader
• the carer and their support worker, or staff member from the non-family-based care service.

At the meeting, discuss and identify solutions to the following:

• any concerns identified by the carer and the child
• stressors in the care arrangement
• any support, training or resources that may help to reduce the stressors experienced by the care arrangement 
• safety issues associated with the care arrangement, including the impact on or risk to other children in the care arrangement and the carer’s family.

If it is agreed the child’s care arrangement will continue, consider:

• reviewing the child’s case plan—refer to Procedure 5 Review and revise the case plan.
• updating the placement agreement—refer to Review the placement agreement.

Remove a child from a care arrangement

The Child Protection Act 1999, section 89, allows for the removal of a child from the child’s carer, if satisfied that this is in the best interests of the child. A CSSC manager, regional director or CSAHSC manager or CSAHSC senior team leader is delegated to make this decision, and may take such action: 

• in response to concerns about the standards of care being provided to a child
• due to harm to a child, including risk of harm 
• to ensure the child’s immediate safety and wellbeing. 

Removing a child from the care arrangement may be assessed to be in the child’s best interests if there is a serious issue, for example:

• an issue in relation to the standards of care being provided 
• a safety issue for the child
• conflict between a child and their carer
• where the child’s complex or extreme support needs cannot be adequately provided for in the care arrangement.

In responding to concerns about a child’s safety, the purpose is to ensure continuity of the child’s relationship with the carer or non-family-based service provider and the stability of the child’s care arrangement, as far as possible, unless:

• the child is at immediate risk of harm or unacceptable risk of future harm in the care environment
  and
• protective intervention will not adequately ensure the child’s safety and wellbeing in the care environment or the safety of others.

Before making a decision about removing a child from a care arrangement, the CSSC manager will consult the senior practitioner (if doing so will not jeopardise the immediate safety or wellbeing of the child), having already taking into consideration the views of:

• the child, if age and developmentally appropriate
• the carer and their foster and kinship care service provider 
  or
• the coordinator or manager or the non-family-based service.

If the child is subject to a child protection order granting custody or guardianship to the chief executive:

• give the child written notice of the decision, having regard to their age and ability to understand, in line with the Child Protection Act 1999, section 90
• talk to the child about the review options available to them (both within and external to Child Safety)
• give written notice of the decision to the child’s carer using the Letter to carer―removal of a child (section 89). (Refer to Removal of a child―the carer's right of review.)

The Child Protection Act 1999, sections 90 and 91, does not give parents or staff members of care services the right to seek a review of the decision by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT.)

If a parent, carer or staff member disagrees with a decision by Child Safety to remove a child, inform them of the review mechanisms available. (Refer to Compliments and Complaints feedback.)

Remove a child in urgent circumstances

If the CSSC manager decides that the child’s immediate safety and wellbeing needs require them to be removed from the care arrangement, before there is time to seek or have regard to relevant people’s views about the decision:

• Record the decision and the rationale for the decision in the relevant event in ICMS.
• Explain the rationale for the decision to the child and all the people affected by the decision.

• Carry out all information provision and administrative requirements, in line with the Child Protection Act 1999, section 90. (Refer to Complete end of care arrangement requirements.)

Removal of a child―the carer’s right of review

If the child is subject to a child protection order granting long-term guardianship to the chief executive, the carer has the right to seek a review of the decision by QCAT to remove the child from their care, regardless of the reason for the removal (Child Protection Act 1999, section 91).

If a child is subject to a child protection order granting short-term custody or guardianship to the chief executive, the carer has the right to seek a review of the decision to remove the child from their care, if the stated reason for the decision is that:

• they are no longer a suitable person to have the care of the child 
  or
• they are no longer able to meet the statement of standards.

Complete end of care arrangement requirements

As soon as possible after the care arrangement ends, make sure the following actions are completed:

• enter the end date of the care arrangement in ICMS, and close the placement event
• follow local CSSC procedures to cease carer payments (refer to the procedure Expenses - Fortnightly caring allowance and interstate foster payments.)
• update the child’s profile person profile in Unify, particularly information about health, disability, education and contact details
• attach the Conclusion of care arrangement form to ICMS (completed by the care arrangement), and provide a copy to the next care arrangement where relevant
• complete the Letter to Medicare―change of address
• make sure that reviewable decision letters have been provided to the child and the carer, if appropriate (refer to Remove a child from a care arrangement)
• contact the child's school and any other agency undertaking case work services with the child and family to advise them of the care arrangement change and the child's new location if appropriate.

Give information to the child, parents and the carer when the care arrangement ends

When a decision is made to end a care arrangement, regardless of whether it is planned or unplanned:

• Tell the child, their parents, the carer and their service provider, of the decision and the reasons for the decision.
• Give the child, their parents and the carer information about accessing the Child Safety complaints process, should they wish to have the decision reviewed.
• Give the child written notice of the removal decision, including reasons for the decision, and tell them they have 28 days to seek a QCAT review of the removal decision.
• Give the child and their family information about the new care arrangement and further planned actions, unless a decision has been made to withhold all or some care arrangement information from the parents. (Refer to Inform the parents and child of the care arrangement decision.)

Implement actions relating to the carer

When a child leaves a care arrangement, tell the child’s carer:

• that the Fortnightly caring allowance for the child will cease
• of their responsibility to advise Services Australia of the conclusion of the child’s care arrangement
• of the need for them to complete a Conclusion of care arrangement form.

Organise for the child’s personal belongings and relevant documents to be collected, including the:

• completed Conclusion of care arrangement form
• child’s birth certificate
• child’s Medicare card and health care card
• child health passport folder
• child’s school reports
• bank account details and associated documentation, including the child’s key card, if this is held by the carer.

After the care arrangement has ended, contact the carer or the care service provider if applicable to discuss the outcomes of the care arrangement including:

• identified strengths demonstrated in managing the care arrangement
• learning and support needs for future care arrangements.