Permanent care order

Permanent care order

A child subject to permanent care order is in their guardian’s care under the authority of the child protection order made by the Childrens Court. It is not an arrangement made by Child Safety using the authority of the Child Protection Act 1999, section 82(1). 

Child Safety’s responsibility is limited to: 

• recording a case plan―long-term guardian/permanent guardian in Unify 
• completing a case plan review, if requested by the child or the child’s permanent guardian 
• providing support, if requested and approved
• providing the child with information about the charter of rights and other information in line with the Child Protection Act 1999, section 74A, whenever contact is made
• providing agreed financial supports, including the fortnightly caring allowance and additional financial supports, where relevant and approved by the CSSC manager. 

Create the case plan―long-term guardian/permanent guardian

When a referral is made to the DCPL to apply for a permanent care order, a revised case plan must be submitted to the Childrens Court. Consult with the following people to prepare this case plan:  

• the proposed permanent guardian
• the child and family members
• members of the child’s safety and support network
• relevant professionals. 

To access the case plan―long-term guardian/permanent guardian in a new ongoing intervention cycle Unify: 

• add the proposed permanent guardian to the case (if this has not already occurred) and edit their role to permanent guardian
• record an other case note, explaining that the role of approved foster or kinship carer has been edited to permanent guardian to enable the case plan―long-term guardian/permanent guardian to be created
• create and complete the case plan―long-term guardian/permanent guardian based on information from the child’s current case plan. Note the case plan will only address the child’s needs and not any previously identified needs for the parents (refer to Record the permanent care order―case plan.)
• submit the case plan―long-term guardian/permanent guardian to the senior team leader for approval.

Once the child protection proceeding is finalised the senior team leader must re-open the case plan―long-term guardian/permanent guardian and record the court outcome. 

When the order is granted complete a closure form within the relevant ongoing intervention cycle and close the ongoing intervention case and cycle. 

When the order is not granted: 

• adjust the ongoing intervention cycle to suit the relevant court’s decision to enable ongoing intervention to continue
• make changes to the proposed permanent guardian’s carer status in Unify to accurately record their role. 

Record the case plan―long-term guardian/permanent guardian

Complete all sections of the case plan―long-term guardian/permanent guardian in Unify using the instructional text in the document for guidance. (Refer to Unify case planning changes.)

Ensure the following requirements are reflected in the case plan―long-term guardianship/permanent guardian:

• The proposed permanent guardian will (unless an exception has been made by the Childrens Court):
  • keep the child’s parents informed about where the child is living  
  • give the child’s parents information about the child’s care (Child Protection Act 1999, section 80(1)(a) and (b))
  • provide opportunity for contact between the child and the child’s parents and appropriate members of the child’s family as often as is appropriate in the circumstances.
• The proposed permanent guardian must, as far as practicable, ensure the care provided to the child complies with the charter of rights (Child Protection Act 1999, section 79A), including the obligation to inform the child of their right to make a complaint to Child Safety if the child considers the charter of rights is not being complied with.
• The proposed permanent guardian must help the child transition to adulthood (Child Protection Act 1999, section 79A (1)(b))
• The proposed permanent guardian must notify Child Safety in writing if the child leaves their direct care at any time in the future and provide details of the child’s whereabouts, if known (Child Protection Act 1999, section 80A(2)).

The permanent guardian assumes full responsibility for meeting a child’s educational, medical or therapeutical needs unless there are specific needs and actions included in the case plan. 

The completed case plan―long-term guardian/permanent guardian is submitted to the Childrens Court. 

Give information to a child, parents and guardian when a permanent care order is made

When a permanent care order is made, give the following information to the child, their parents and the permanent carer.

Give the child (in a developmentally appropriate way):

• written notice that the order was made, including details outlined in the Child Protection Act 1999, section 63(b). Draft a letter specifically for the individual child

• a copy of the brochure Your long-term care Information for children or Your long-term care Information for young people

• a certified copy of the permanent care order (keep the original order on the child’s file)
• verbal and written information about the charter of rights for a child in care and its effect (Child Protection Act 1999, schedule 1). 
• information in line with he Child Protection Act 1999,  section 79A about: 
  • a permanent guardian’s obligations under section 79A
  • the OPG and other entities who can help the child if the child considers that the child’s permanent guardian is not complying with these obligations 
  • the child’s right to contact Child Safety if they have questions or concerns about their protection and care needs.

Give the parents:

• verbal information about the terms and effect of the order
• a completed Letter advising parents of a permanent care order
• a copy of the brochure Your child's long-term care Information for parents
• a certified copy of the order
• information about the complaints process in case they have concerns the permanent guardian is not meeting their obligations
• information about how to contact Child Safety in the future.

Give the permanent guardian:

• a completed Letter advising a permanent guardian of a permanent care order
• a certified copy of the order. Keep the original on the child’s file
• a copy of the brochure Providing long-term care Information for guardians
• information about how to contact Child Safety in the future

• information about their obligations in line with the Child Protection Act  1999,  section 79A to (unless at the time the order was made the Childrens Court ordered that an obligation did not apply or applied to a limited extent)

  • as far as reasonably practicable, ensure the care they provide to the child complies with the charter of rights for a child in care 

  • ensure the child is provided with appropriate help in the transition from being a child in care to independence 

  • to the extent it is in the best interests of the child, preserve the child’s identity and connection to the child’s culture of origin

  • to the extent it is in the best interests of the child, help maintain the child’s relationships with the child’s parents, family members and other persons of significance to the child

• information about the right of the child and parents to make a complaint if they have concerns that the permanent guardian is not meeting their obligations.

Give either the child or permanent guardian:

• the child’s child health passport
• the child’s Medicare card (provide this directly to the child if they are 15 years or over and listed as the cardholder)
• an original or certified copy of the child’s birth certificate, if relevant, (keep one original birth certificate on the child’s file. (Refer to Obtain a birth certificate for a child.)
• the child’s tax file number, if applicable
• a certified copy of the child’s proof or confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage , if applicable. Keep the original on the child’s file
• the child’s NDIS documentation, if relevant, including a copy of the current plan
• information about the Australian Government’s Transition to Independent Living Allowance (TILA) funding, if the child is 15 years or older. (Refer to Assist the young person to access Transition to Independent Living Allowance.) 

Child Safety will have no further contact with a child unless:

• a review of the case plan is requested by the child or permanent guardian
• a complaint is made about the permanent guardian’s care of the child. 

Amend the permanent guardian’s details in Unify

When a carer is granted permanent guardianship of a child, update the following details in Unify:

• the carer entity details to match the new approved type, permanent guardian
• record the start date as the day the order was granted 
• close any previous carer approvals which are no longer relevant for this child with this carer.

A permanent guardian is entitled to the fortnightly caring allowance for the duration of the order. When a permanent care order is made by the Childrens Court, the care arrangement case in Unify must remain open for the permanent guardian to receive the fortnightly caring allowance. 

Respond to a complaint by a child or family member

Under the Child Protection Act 1999,  section 80B, a child or a member of a child’s family may make a complaint to Child Safety if they honestly and reasonably believe a permanent guardian is not meeting their legal obligation to:

• comply with the charter of rights for a child in care
• provide help with the child’s transition to adulthood
• maintain the child’s identity and connection to their culture of origin
• maintain the child’s relationship with their parents, family members and other people significant to the child. 

The complaint may be made for the child or member of the child’s family (with their consent) by another person.

Respond to a complaint about a permanent guardian by advising the person making the complaint that they may:

• talk to the senior team leader or CSSC manager (of the CSSC that applied for the permanent care order)
• contact the Complaints Unit directly on 1800 080 464 (free call). Staff at the Complaints Unit will talk to the complainant and decide whether to manage the complaint or refer the matter to the relevant region.

Respond to a request for support after a permanent care order is made

Either a permanent guardian or child may contact Child Safety to request support by asking for a review of the child’s case plan. The CSO will:

• consult the senior team leader or senior practitioner about the request
• arrange a meeting with the permanent guardian and the child to discuss the request and make an assessment of the child’s support needs
• when meeting, provide the child with verbal and written information about the charter of rights and other information in line with the Child Protection Act 1999, section 74A .  

Refer the permanent guardian to a family support service

If it is assessed that the required support can be provided by an intensive family support service or an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family wellbeing service:

• discuss the referral with the senior team leader
• discuss the referral with the child and permanent guardian and obtain their consent to refer
• during the discussion, provide the child with verbal information about the charter of rights and other information in line with the Child Protection Act 1999, section 74A  and make arrangements to send written information to the child electronically or via post
• complete a referral to: 
  • an Intensive Family Support Service. (Refer to Procedure 1 Referral to a family support service.)
    or
  • an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Wellbeing Service. (Refer to Procedure 4 Refer a family to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Wellbeing Service.)

Provide child related costs in exceptional circumstances

In exceptional circumstances, a permanent guardian may be eligible for child-related costs if the need is identified in the child’s case plan and is considered necessary to ensure the child’s wellbeing and best interests.

Advise the permanent guardian about child support

If the permanent guardian is a relative of the child, advise them that they may be eligible for child support and can contact the Child Support Agency on 131 272 or visit the Child Support website.

High support needs allowance and complex support needs allowance

The high support needs allowance and complex support needs allowance may be paid to a permanent guardian if:

• the child was assessed and approved for the high support needs allowance or complex support needs allowance before the permanent care order was made
  or
• the child has developed or presents with special needs (short-term or ongoing in nature) that were unknown or not present at the time the permanent care order was made.

Refer to the policy High support needs allowance, the procedure High support needs allowance, the policy Complex support needs allowance and the procedure Complex support needs allowance. 

Transition to adulthood for a child subject to a permanent care order

A young person subject to a permanent care order:

• can apply for the Australian Government’s Transition to Independent Living (TILA) allowance
• may be eligible for child-related costs. (Refer to Provide child related costs in exceptional circumstances.)  
• may receive case work support to help them make the transition to adulthood, if they are no longer living with their permanent guardian. (Refer to Respond when the child is no longer in the permanent guardian’s direct care.)  

Family contact

The permanent guardian is responsible for providing the opportunity for ongoing contact between the child and the child’s family members unless otherwise ordered by the Childrens Court.

Regulation of care

Unless a permanent guardian plans to provide care to a child in the custody or guardianship of the chief executive, they are not:

• required to hold a current blue card or a certificate of approval as a foster or kinship carer
• subject to the policy Responding to concerns about the standards of care. Respond to any concerns regarding their care of the child in line with usual intake processes. (Refer to Procedure 1 Receive and respond at intake.)

Respond to other issues that may arise for a permanent guardian

Separation or divorce of permanent guardians

If permanent guardians separate or divorce, both continue to hold guardianship responsibility for the child subject to the order. They will need to negotiate plans for the child’s daily care, taking into consideration:

• the child’s views
• the circumstances of the separation or divorce.

Only one permanent guardian can continue to receive the fortnightly carer allowance after the separation or divorce. If the child’s daily care is to be shared, the permanent guardians will need to decide who will receive the allowance. The permanent guardian who receives the allowance may (but is not obligated to) pay part of the allowance to the other permanent guardian.

If a permanent guardian re-partners or remarries, there is no legal requirement for the new partner to be assessed or approved to care for the child by Child Safety.

Succession planning for a child subject to a permanent care order

A sole permanent guardian or a permanent guardian couple may document details of a nominated person or people they wish to be considered as the child’s guardian in the event of their death.

While their wishes are not legally binding, by informing Child Safety or recording their wishes in a will, they enable Child Safety (should it be required) to consider inviting a nominated person to apply to become an approved carer for the child.

If a permanent guardian (either a sole guardian or part of a permanent guardian couple) is diagnosed with a terminal illness, consider:

• if the terminally ill guardian or both guardians is/are able and willing to continue to fulfil their role as the child’s guardian during the course of the illness
• if the surviving guardian will be able to fulfil their responsibility as the child’s guardian after their partner’s death.

In both circumstances, consult the senior team leader and the OCFOS lawyer about making a referral to the DCPL for an application to the Childrens Court to:

• revoke the permanent care order
  and
• seek an order granting long-term guardianship to the chief executive.

Respond to a request by a permanent guardian for an alternative care arrangement

If a permanent guardian does  give the daily care of the child to another person (or if they nominate someone to take over the child’s daily care), and it appears that the arrangement is in the child’s best interests and is the most appropriate arrangement for meeting the child’s emotional and physical needs:

• Provide the child with a meaningful opportunity and support to participate in the decision and consider the views  the child expresses. 
• Consult with the senior team leader and the OCFOS lawyer about a referral to the DCPL to revoke the child protection order and seek an order granting long-term guardianship to the chief executive.
• Invite the person caring for the child to apply to become an approved carer. To ensure continuity of care for the child, facilitate a provisional approval of the carer applicant. (Refer to Procedure 6 Complete the assessment requirements for provisional approval.)

If a permanent guardian advises they are no longer able and willing to meet their responsibilities as the child’s permanent guardian:

• Provide  the child with a meaningful opportunity and support to participate in the decision and consider the views  the child expresses. 
• Review the case plan and explore all options available to the child.
• Consult the senior team leader and the OCFOS lawyer to consider whether it is in the child’s best interests to make a referral to the DCPL for an application to:
  • revoke the child protection order
    and
  • seek a child protection order granting long-term guardianship to the chief executive or another suitable person.

Review a case plan―long-term guardian/permanent guardian

The case plan for a child subject to a permanent care order may be reviewed:

• if requested by a child or permanent guardian
• as an outcome of a complaint made about the care provided to the child by the permanent guardian 
• if the child is no longer in the permanent guardian’s direct care and decisions need to be made about the child’s protection and care needs and wellbeing. (Refer to Respond when a child is no longer in a permanent guardian’s direct care.)

Review the child’s case plan by engaging with both the child and permanent guardian to gather information about and assess the child’s current circumstances. Collaboratively review the case plan and determine the actions required which may include: 

• providing assistance to address any identified needs
• seeking to revoke the permanent care order and make another order.

Record the process and outcomes of the review in Unify by completing the: 

• child strengths and needs assessment form
• review report – permanent guardian form
• a new case plan – long term guardian/permanent guardian.

Respond when a child is no longer in the permanent guardian's direct care

A permanent guardian is required to advise the chief executive in writing if the child is no longer in their direct care and to advise where the child is living, if known (Child Protection Act 1999, section 80A).  

If a permanent guardian advises that a child subject to a permanent care order is no longer in their direct care:

• Seek information from them to confirm the child’s current whereabouts and the circumstances leading to the change.
• Have direct contact with the child (if the child’s address is known) as soon as possible to assess their immediate safety and wellbeing and determine if a review of their case plan is required.
• Review the child’s protection and care needs and wellbeing and take any further action that is required in line with the Child Protection Act 1999, section 80A(3).
• Assess whether the permanent guardian is prepared to resume direct care of the child and if the child is prepared to return to the direct care of the guardian.
• Assist the child and guardian to resolve the issues leading to the child leaving and enable the child to return to the guardian’s care. Consider whether a family support service may be able to provide relevant support. (Refer to Refer the permanent guardian to a family support service.)
• Review whether the permanent care order is appropriate for meeting the child’s ongoing protection and care needs and consider if a referral to the DCPL is needed.
• Take the following action if the child is not returning to the permanent guardian’s care:
  • Cease the fortnightly caring allowance and other financial supports and advise the guardian this has occurred.
  • Inform the guardian of their responsibility to advise Centrelink that the child’s care arrangement has ended, if applicable.
  • Update the child’s placement details and location in Unify.

If the child’s whereabouts are unknown, make reasonable attempts to locate them, by contacting:

• the child’s permanent guardian to discuss possible places the child may be
• the child’s school or education facility
• the child’s parents, siblings or other family members
• the child’s friends
• professionals or agencies currently or recently in contact with the child
• Centrelink, if considered appropriate in the circumstances. (Refer to Procedure 2 Take action if a child and family cannot be located.)

Consider if the permanent care order needs to be varied 

Consult with the senior team leader and OCFOS lawyer about a referral to the DCPL to revoke the child protection order and seek an order granting guardianship to the chief executive if:

• the permanent guardian is no longer able and willing to be the child’s guardian and fulfil their obligations under the Child Protection Act 1999, section 80
• the permanent guardian can no longer fulfil their guardianship responsibilities but wants to continue to care for the child while they are in the chief executive’s custody or guardianship
• an assessment has been finalised with a Child in need of protection outcome, and
  • it is assessed that the child is at unacceptable risk of harm, and
  • the guardian is not willing to work with Child Safety to address the concerns.

In all these circumstances, meet with the child, permanent guardian, family and other relevant people to review the case plan. (Refer to Review a case plan―long-term guardian/permanent guardian) 

If the case plan is for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander child, arrange, with the consent of the child and family, for an independent person to assist them to participate in the decision-making process. (Refer to Procedure 5 Enable participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in decision making.)

If an application to revoke the order is made to the Childrens Court, while the application is proceeding:

• The permanent guardian will:
  • continue to have guardianship rights and responsibilities for the child
  • be treated by the court as a parent and afforded the same appeal rights
  • be a respondent in the proceedings.
• The child’s parents will:
  • have appeal rights
  • be respondents in the proceedings.

Refer to Procedure 3 Refer to the Director of Child Protection Litigation to apply, extend, vary or revoke a child protection order.