Case planning

A Case Plan is a shared plan that helps everyone work together to support a child's safety, wellbeing, development and future.

The Case Plan begins when a child or young person enters care and is reviewed regularly to reflect their changing needs and circumstances.

A Case Plan includes:

• the long-term goal for the child or young person
• actions needed to achieve that goal
• who is responsible for each action
• approved funding and supports
• a cultural plan that helps the child stay connected to their family, community, culture and identity.

A good Case Plan reflects the child or young person's life, strengths, experiences and aspirations. It is developed through meaningful conversations with the child or young person, their carers, family, caseworker and other important people in their life.

If a child or young person looks at their Case Plan later in life, it should help them understand how decisions were made, how their strengths were recognised, and how adults worked together to support them.

Case planning can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when important decisions are being made about a child's future. You do not have to navigate the process alone. Your caseworker and support services can help you understand the plan, prepare for meetings and raise any concerns.

Why Case Planning matters

A good Case Plan helps everyone understand how they can support a child to feel safe, connected and supported. It provides a shared direction, helps track progress and ensures important decisions are made with the child's needs at the centre.

Case planning:

• helps ensure decisions are transparent, safe and informed
• supports the child's physical, emotional, educational, social and cultural needs
• helps everyone understand what needs to happen if the child is working towards returning home
• guides decisions and actions for everyone involved in the child's care
• reflects the child's life, strengths and experiences
• helps the child understand their journey and important decisions later in life.

Helpful tip

Keep a copy of the Case Plan and any updates. Recording your observations, successes and concerns can help during future reviews and meetings.

“Bringing the smiles and confidence back to the faces 
of these children is the most rewarding experience.”

Vikki, carer, Wyong

What this means for you as a carer

As a carer, you are an important part of the case planning process.

Because you spend time with the child every day, your observations and experiences can help inform important decisions about their care and future.

You can:

• contribute your views and observations
• ask questions about decisions, goals and next steps
• receive information about the child's goals and supports
• request a copy of the Case Plan
• raise concerns if something is not working
• seek support if you need help understanding the process.

Planning for a child to return home

When it is safe and in the child's best interests, the goal may be for a child to return home to their family. This is often called restoration.

Restoration focuses on:

• supporting families to make changes so a child can live safely at home
• identifying risks and building on family strengths
• providing the supports needed for the child and family.

The Case Plan will outline:

• what needs to change for the child to return home safely
• the support being provided to the family
• who is responsible for each action
• timeframes for reviewing progress.

Children's circumstances can change over time. While some children return home, others may need long-term care. Case planning helps everyone understand the current goal and the steps needed to support the child's future.

If returning home is not possible, the Case Plan will focus on helping the child achieve a safe, stable and permanent home.

How case planning works

Case planning is an ongoing process. The Case Plan is reviewed and updated as the child or young person grows and their needs change.

Each Case Plan includes one or more goals, such as returning home to family or achieving long-term care and stability (permanency).

Case planning generally involves the following steps:

1. Gathering information

The caseworker gathers information about the child's strengths, needs and circumstances.

2. Discussion

The child or young person, carers and family members are invited to share their views and experiences.

3. Writing the plan

Goals, actions and responsibilities are documented clearly.

4. Reviewing progress

Regular reviews help everyone understand what is working well and what may need to change.

5. Updating the plan

Changes are made as the child's needs, goals or circumstances change.

What is a case meeting?

A case meeting is a structured discussion about the wellbeing, safety and future needs of a child or young person in care.

Case meetings are usually organised by the caseworker and are often the first step in developing or reviewing a Case Plan.

Meetings may be held to:

• identify support needs
• plan for a child's return home
• review progress in care
• consider a change in placement
• respond to serious incidents or significant concerns.

Who takes part in case meetings?

People invited to a case meeting may include:

• the child or young person (where appropriate and if they wish to participate)
• you, the carer
• parents or significant family members
• the caseworker and sometimes their supervisor
• professionals involved in supporting the child, such as teachers, counsellors or health workers.

Your participation is important because your day-to-day knowledge of the child can help others understand their needs, strengths and progress.

"The relationship works best when we work together as a team,

with the child as the main focus

and all parties involved in decisions,

including caseworker, carers, parents and the child."

 

Vikki, carer, Wyong

Birth parents and family involvement

Where it is safe and appropriate, birth parents are encouraged to participate in case planning.

The child's safety, wellbeing and best interests are always the most important consideration.

Birth parents may be involved by:

• attending case meetings or conferences
• bringing a support person to meetings
• suggesting items for the meeting agenda
• sharing information about their child's strengths, needs, culture and identity.

Parents have rights when their child is in care. For more information, see Rights of parents when a child is in care

We recognise that some parents may need additional support to participate confidently in meetings or understand decisions. Support may include:

• arranging an interpreter
• involving an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander support person or community representative
• providing clear explanations of outcomes
• linking parents with advocacy or community services.

Supporting safe and respectful family involvement can help children maintain important connections and improve outcomes.

Getting ready for a case meeting

You may find it helpful to:

• talk with your caseworker beforehand about issues you would like discussed
• arrive on time and allow enough time to attend the meeting
• bring relevant information, such as school reports or health updates
• think about questions or concerns you would like to raise
• be open to hearing different perspectives.

Support for case planning and meetings

You do not have to navigate case planning on your own. Support is available if you need help understanding the process, preparing for a meeting, participating in discussions or raising concerns.

Support may include:

• talking through the Case Plan with your caseworker
• bringing a support person to meetings
• advocacy and information services
• cultural support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families
• interpreters and translation services
• assistance with transport or childcare where available
• connecting with other carers for peer support and advice
• other reasonable adjustments to help you participate.

If you are feeling unsure about attending a meeting, you can ask a trusted friend, family member, advocate or experienced carer to attend with you for support.

If you are unsure where to start, speak with your caseworker or contact:

• Carers for Kids NSW
• AbSec

Helpful tip

If this is your first case meeting, consider speaking with another experienced carer beforehand. They may be able to share practical advice about what to expect and how to prepare.

What happens at a case meeting

During a case meeting:

• the caseworker explains the purpose of the meeting and introduces participants
• the current Case Plan is reviewed, including progress made and any challenges
• participants discuss important topics affecting the child
• next steps and review dates may be agreed.

Topics may include:

• the child's wellbeing and development
• education and health needs
• cultural connections and identity
• family relationships and contact arrangements
• placement stability
• future planning and permanency goals
• support needs for the child and carer.

Meeting notes are recorded and the Case Plan may be updated following the discussion.

Copies of the updated Case Plan should be shared with carers and, where appropriate, the child or young person.

Making case planning work well

Case planning works best when everyone shares information, asks questions and understands their role.

Helpful ways to support the process include:

Ask questions

If something is unclear, ask for an explanation or more information.

Stay informed

Request a copy of the current Case Plan and any updates.

Share information early

Raise concerns and provide important updates as they arise.

Bring relevant information

Information about the child's health, education, achievements and wellbeing can help inform planning.

Speak up

Your observations and experiences are valuable and can contribute to better decision-making.

Keep records

Making notes about meetings, decisions and agreed actions can be helpful for future discussions.

Remember

Case planning is a shared process. You do not need to have all the answers. Asking questions, seeking support and sharing your observations can help everyone make informed decisions that support the child's wellbeing and future.

What to do if you disagree with a Case Plan decision

It is okay to ask questions or seek clarification if you do not understand or agree with part of a Case Plan.

Open and respectful discussion can help everyone understand different perspectives and keep the focus on the child's best interests.

You can:

• Discuss your concerns with your caseworker.
• Request a separate meeting if further discussion is needed.
• Seek independent support or advocacy.
• Escalate concerns to the caseworker's supervisor or manager if required.

Independent support is available through:

• Carers for Kids NSW: 1300 782 975
• AbSec: 1800 888 698

For more information, see:

• See: Advocacy and support
• Concerns can be escalated to the caseworker’s supervisor or manager. Read: Resolving concerns & understanding your rights about complaints.