The meetings, which were introduced by Department for Child Protection (DCP) Lead Psychiatric Director Dr Prue McEvoy in April 2019, bring together people from the child’s care team and other relevant parties to discuss a shared plan, taking into account the child’s trauma history and individual needs.

So far, DCP has held approximately 200 CCRMs for more than 80 cases, which can include a single child or young person, or a sibling group.

Meetings are attended by Dr McEvoy, the child’s caseworker and supervisor, carer support worker, and representatives from other agencies such as health, education and housing, who may intersect with the child.

Dr McEvoy said some of the key recommendations to come from the meetings were different types of therapy, increasing school supports, change of placement arrangements and greater support for carers.

“Over the past 12 months or so, we’ve seen a really positive shift in the way the department approaches complexity,” she said.

“I have seen a change in our willingness to acknowledge complexity and escalate decisions.

“This shift in thinking is leading to better outcomes, as we are tackling complex problems from various angles and sharing the risk.”

Dr McEvoy said having partner agencies at the meetings was an important part of bringing together a shared plan for the child or young person.

“The aim of these meetings is to try and achieve a coherent and shared understanding of the complexities a child or young person might be facing and come up with an agreed plan on how best they can be supported going forward,” she said.

“This demonstrates the common desire to wrap the most appropriate supports around children and young people with highly complex needs to make a positive difference in their lives.”

Referrals for a CCRM are received from a range of avenues including case management, SA Police, SA Health, Education and other panels such as the Interagency Therapeutic Needs Panel.