8. Principles of the case management framework

Child-centred

Places the person (for SFS, the ‘child’) at the centre of the service response to ensure it is designed to meet individual needs. Children and their families are actively involved in developing their case plans and identifying the service responses required.

Proactive

Prioritise acting in advance to ensure early identification of needs, risks and potential barriers, rather than focussing on reactive responses.

Strengths-based

Identifies and builds on child, family and community capacities including coping mechanisms, resilience and support systems.

Logical

The process of case management is a step-by-step structured approach which is reasonable and considered.

Partnership

Successful partnerships benefit the child and family, through clarity of purpose, good case management leadership, respectful relationships, commitment to collaboration and participation, and a sensitive approach.

Systemic

Makes links to the broader human service system, keeping the ‘big picture’ in mind to maximise child, family and community outcomes.

Outcomes-driven

The work is focused on outcomes and achieving client goals through monitoring, reviewing and accountability.

Culturally responsive

An inclusive approach that is respectful and relevant to the child and family and their cultural identity. Culture refers to a range of personal and community factors including race and/or ethnicity, geography, identity, age, ability, gender, sexuality, family, spiritual beliefs, language, history and economic status.

A cultural response will be integrated into assessment and planning including cultural consultation with Community Elders or Aboriginal specialist practitioners, and consideration of Aboriginal nations will be integral in working to keep Aboriginal children safe and connected to family and culture.

Holistic

The process of considering all factors relating to a child’s wellbeing including (but not limited to), psychological, physical, cultural and social.

Dynamic

Revision of goals and outcomes are undertaken throughout the process of case management allowing responsiveness to the individual’s changing circumstances and progression through case plan objectives. Knowledge gained by working with clients and service systems is used to advocate at both individual and system levels.