Information sharing and decisions take into account the safety and best interests of the child. Carers, the child’s case worker and placement support workers are all responsible for sharing information.

Information about a child or young person entering your care

You will receive information about a child or young person before they enter your care so that you can prepare to meet their needs. The type of information you will receive includes:

  • age, date of birth, gender and culture (clan/language)
  • health needs, including medications, treatment plans, medical contacts and disability information
  • educational needs such as schooling arrangements, routine, strengths and interests
  • behaviour and development
  • insight into their story
  • family connections and contact arrangements.

The Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017 outlines that carers will receive information that is available about a child or young person before they come into their care, and likewise that a child or young person will receive information about a carer before entering their placement. Carers can use the information checklist to facilitate conversations with a child or young person’s case worker about the child’s identity, needs and routines.

Children and young people have a right to be heard and they can say if there is information that they don’t want shared with a carer. Risks to their health and wellbeing, or the carer’s ability to provide appropriate and safe care are considered.

Helping a child or young person get to know you

A child or young person will also receive information about you. This information may include:

  • your name
  • your address
  • your employment
  • details about other people/pets living with you
  • experience you have had caring for other children and young people.

The child or young person receives this information in a way that makes it easy for them to understand, such as verbally, in writing or with photos.

Page last updated: 7 April 2021