Case planning

A Case Plan is a written guide that shows how a child’s safety, wellbeing, and long-term needs will be met.  The case plan starts as soon as a child is placed in care and is updated regularly. It includes:

• The long-term goal for the child.
• Actions needed to meet the goal.
• Who is responsible for each action.
• Approved funding and supports.
• A cultural plan to keep the child connected to family, community, and identity. and updated regularly to reflect the child or young person’s changing needs and circumstances.

A good Case Plan reflects the child or young person’s life and experiences. It grows from meaningful conversations with the child or young person, their carers, family, caseworker, and support network.

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 supported, and how adults worked to meet their needs.

Why Case Planning is Important

• Ensures decisions are transparent, safe, and informed.
• Supports stability and the child’s physical, emotional, educational, social, and cultural needs.
• Helps everyone understand what needs to happen if the child returns home.
• Guides decisions and actions for everyone involved.
• Reflects the child’s life, strengths, and experiences.
• Helps the child understand their journey later in life.

Tip for carers: Always ask for a copy and keep notes on progress, successes, and concerns.

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

Vikki, carer, Wyong

Case Planning and Family Preservation

Where it’s safe, the goal is to help a child return home to their family.

Restoration focuses on:

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

The Case Plan will clearly outline:

• What needs to change for safe return.
• Support provided to the family.
• Who is responsible for each action.
• Timeframes for reviewing progress.

Note: If returning home isn’t possible, the plan focuses on finding a safe, stable, permanent home.

How case planning works

Case planning is an ongoing process. The Case Plan is updated as the child or young person grows and their needs change. Each Case Plan includes one or more goals, such as restoration to family or achieving permanency with a carer.

Case plans are made and reviewed in steps:

1. Planning: Caseworker gathers information about the child’s needs.
2. Discussion: You and the child share your views.
3. Drafting the Plan: Goals and steps are written down clearly.
4. Reviewing the Plan: Regular check-ins ensure the plan is working.
5. Updating the Plan: Changes are made as the child’s needs grow or change.

Tip for carers: Always ask for a copy of the plan and updates. Keep notes on what’s working and what might need adjusting. Your observations are valuable.

What is a case meeting?

A case meeting is a structured discussion about the wellbeing of a child or young person in care. It is usually the first step in developing or reviewing a Case Plan and is organised by the caseworker.

Meetings may:

• Identify support needs.
• Plan for restoration to family.
• Review progress in care.
• Consider a change in placement.
• Respond to critical incidents.

Who takes part in case meetings?

People invited to a case meeting may include:

• The child or young person (if appropriate and they wish to attend) – to share their views, feelings and preferences
• You, the carer – your day-to-day knowledge is very important
• Parents or significant family members
• The caseworker (and sometimes their supervisor)
• Relevant professionals, such as teachers, counsellors or health workers

Tip: Let your caseworker know if you need support like an interpreter, childcare, or transport.

"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 be involved in case planning.

The child or young person’s safety, wellbeing and best interests are always the most important consideration.

Birth parents may participate by:

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

Parents have rights when their child is in care. See Rights of parents when a child is in care for more information.

We understand that parents may need additional support to feel confident in meetings or to understand decisions. This may include:

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

Supporting safe and respectful parent involvement can help maintain important connections and improve outcomes for children and young people.

Getting ready for a case meeting

It can help to:

• talk with your caseworker beforehand about issues you want included
• arrive on time
• bring relevant documents (such as school or health information)
• think about questions or concerns you want to raise
• be open to different perspectives

What Happens at a Case Meeting

• Caseworker explains the purpose and introduces everyone.
• Previous Case Plan is reviewed: what has and hasn’t been achieved.
• Topics discussed may include:
  • Case Plan goals.
  • Placement stability and permanency.
  • Legal status.
  • Health, education, and development needs.
  • Carer support needs.
• Notes are recorded, and the plan is updated.
• Copies of the updated plan are shared with carers and the child (where appropriate).

Tip: If you disagree with any part of the plan, raise it with your caseworker early.

What to do if you disagree with a Case Plan decision

• Discuss concerns with your caseworker first.
• A separate meeting can be arranged if needed.
• Independent support is available:
  • Carers for Kids NSW: 1300 782 975
  • AbSec: 1800 888 698
• See: Advocacy and support
• Concerns can be escalated to the caseworker’s supervisor or manager.
• Read: Resolving concerns & understanding your rights about complaints.