Identify and respond to children and young people at risk - NSW ...

should be given priority over other principles such as factors relating to
the child’s identity and background, the child’s views and taking the
least intrusive action possible.
PowerPoint 3.4: Participation summarises opportunities for children
and young people to participate in care and protection decisions.
Ask participants:
‘What opportunities can you identify in your workplace for
children/young people to participate in care and protection decisions?’
Note that participation includes both expressing views and being informed about
decision making processes and outcomes. The principle of participation needs to
be understood in relation to Principle 9(1) which gives paramount consideration
to the child’s safety, welfare and wellbeing, recognising the child/young person’s
age and developmental capacity. However these considerations should not
mean that opportunities for participation can be overlooked.
Relevant examples may include:
- Involving children and young people in assessments of their
needs, and of family needs. This may include by direct
interview and discussion, use of visual tools to assist
children and young people talk about feelings and options,
and by observation of children and young people who may
not be able to communicate directly;
- Ensuring that meetings where children and young people
are present are structured to take into account their
communication style, concentration span and
comprehension, and that they have support available to
them from someone with whom they have a relationship.
- Explaining to children and young people about processes
after they have made a disclosure;
- Asking children and young people being asked to identify
someone they would prefer to stay with if it is not possible
for them to remain at home.
PowerPoint 3.5: Decisions about Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander children summarises provisions of the Act that relate to
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Facilitator’s note: This information is provided to give an overview of
legislation relevant for people working with children and families in
NSW. The Wood Inquiry highlighted the significant and disproportionate
over-representation of Aboriginal children in the child protection system
and Juvenile Justice in NSW. The Keep Them Safe initiative includes a
Keep Them Safe CHCCHILD401A – Facilitator’s Manual
© The NSW Technical and Further Education Commission
(TAFE NSW – Industry Skills Unit, Meadowbank, 2010)
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