Key information
- We are committed to enhancing the wellbeing of children and young people who have entered the Out of Home Care system.
- We are focussed on resolving worries children or young people may have about their wellbeing in care.
- We do this through a process that is inclusive and transparent.
The Wellbeing in Care process outlines how we respond to worries and concerns about children and young people in Out of Home Care to create physical, psychological and emotional safety for everyone. It has been developed to reflect the Tasmanian Out of Home Care standards and was previously referred to as a Care Concern.
The Wellbeing in Care process includes priority decision-making and protective action where the allegations are of a serious or criminal nature.
- Sometimes we might need to move children or young people to another care placement to ensure their immediate safety while a Wellbeing in Care process is occurring.
- Criminal allegations, including sexual or serious physical assault, are referred to police.
There is currently an interim Out of Home Care Child Safe Code of Conduct which applies to volunteers (foster and kinship carers) and external staff from salaried care providers while we develop a broader code for the department. This will be developed to reflect the National Child Safe Standards and Child and Youth Safe Organisations Framework for Tasmania.
The Wellbeing in Care Policy Position outlines the department’s position on responding to wellbeing concerns.
An information sheet on Wellbeing in Care Concerns is available for carers and service providers and can be viewed here.
- Read the Wellbeing in Care Concerns – Information Sheet for Carers and Service Providers (docx, 122KB)