Course Title: Undertake case management in a child protection framework

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2017

Course Code: HWSS6106C

Course Title: Undertake case management in a child protection framework

School: 365T Global, Urban and Social Studies

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5345 - Diploma of Community Services (Case Management)

Course Contact: Bronwyn Tanti

Course Contact Phone: 9925 9079

Course Contact Email: bronwyn.tanti@rmit.edu.au

Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 70

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply all aspects of case management in which case plans are developed and implemented to address specific client needs and achieve client goals within a child protection framework.

Workers at this level work autonomously and are responsible for prioritising own outputs within defined organisation guidelines.

This unit applies to work in a range of health and community service contexts.

 This unit is delivered in a cluster with:

CHCCSM004 Coordinate complex case requirements

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	CHCCSM007 Undertake case management in a child protection framework
Element:	1. Establish client need and/or risk
Performance Criteria:	1.1 Assess the client’s needs and risks in accordance with organisation procedures 1.2 Develop written assessment plan to reflect the client’s needs 1.3 Clearly explain the worker's role and purpose to the client 1.4 Identify, assess, and prioritise information relevant to the client’s circumstances 1.5 Ensure communication with the client is of a level, type and manner appropriate to the individual and  nature of the issues raised 1.6 Provide information to the client regarding the intervention process, their rights of appeal and how to use avenues for complaint
Element:	2. Develop a case management plan
Performance Criteria:	2.1 Identify support and prevention strategies that promote and meet the needs of the family 2.2 Build into the case plan the client’s strengths and protective factors 2.3 Develop case plan in partnership with the client 2.4 Collect information on a range of suitable intervention strategies to address immediate, short and longer term needs of clients 2.5 Explore a full range of options for addressing the client’s needs and integrate client preferences into planning 2.6 Work collaboratively to prioritise case management goals and objectives and negotiate and agree processes with the client 2.7 Negotiate goals, actions and timelines for the case plan in concrete, specific terms 2.8 Define roles, responsibilities and accountabilities for clients, stakeholders, workers and service providers 2.9 Explore and develop contingency plans 2.10 Integrate cultural considerations into goal setting and negotiation of timelines 2.11 Establish communication, review and evaluation systems 2.12 Document case plan and distribute to all parties
Element:	3. Implement case plan
Performance Criteria:	3.1 Implement practical arrangements to support clients and stakeholders 3.2 Utilise established communication processes and protocols to make referrals 3.3 Identify roles, responsibilities, outcomes and processes involved in intervention and discuss with the client and service provider 3.4 Develop contracts with external service providers and agree on time and resource constraints 3.5 Identify review activities and negotiate with the client, service providers, and significant others 3.6 Record information in a manner consistent with organisation procedures and policies
Element:	4. Establish review and evaluation systems
Performance Criteria:	4.1 Set up appropriate evaluation processes for ongoing implementation of the plan 4.2 Assess and document progress towards the achievement of goals with the client and service providers 4.3 Assess the need for ongoing intervention 4.4 Negotiate with relevant parties proposed actions and timelines to arise from case review 4.5 Complete all relevant reporting procedures in accordance with organisation requirements 4.6 Undertake appropriate consultation with supervisor at key decision-making points
Element:	5. Plan and participate in case conferences or protection meetings
Performance Criteria:	5.1 Convene case conference or protection meetings when they are judged to be the most effective case management decision-making strategy for the needs of the client or in line with legislative and organisation requirements 5.2 Clearly identify and explain purpose of case conference or protection meeting to clients and other stakeholders 5.3 Establish agenda that clearly outlines purpose, participants, venue, date, time and process 5.4 Identify key persons and request they attend the conference or make reporting arrangements 5.5 Undertake work to prepare the client for the case conference or protection meeting 5.6 Implement processes to ensure the client and/or family can participate in the decision-making process 5.7 Anticipate areas of conflict and facilitate resolution 5.8 Identify and respond to participant needs for interpreters and other support 5.9 Arrange attendance of delegated decision-makers 5.10 Provide information equally to all parties 5.11 Prepare case history in accordance with agency requirements 5.12 Nominate and brief a chairperson and minute taker 5.13 Identify, negotiate and record outcomes
Element:	6. Work with agencies to meet the client's needs
Performance Criteria:	6.1 Identify appropriate service providers 6.2 Develop and maintain working relationships with relevant community groups 6.3 Access inter-agency protocols and guidelines and integrate into case management 6.4 Clarify the nature of advocacy and support required by the client 6.5 Explain the range of interventions and reason for referral and clarify and negotiate agreement with the client, service providers and significant others 6.6 Discuss with the client all representations made on their behalf to the service provider 6.7 Ensure all information is kept in confidence and in-line with organisation policy and legislation 6.8 Maintain links with service, client and other relevant parties and evaluate progress by achievement of goals
Element:	7. Undertake case closure
Performance Criteria:	7.1 Analyse achievements of case plan goals against performance indicators and document 7.2 Identify reasons for case closures 7.3 Negotiate case closure with the client and relevant agencies 7.4 Advise relevant parties in writing of decision to close case 7.5 Take into account the needs of the client throughout case closure and allow the client to reflect on past interventions

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements.

Details of Learning Activities

 

Classes where information is shared through talks and group discussions, and exercises are conducted to apply learning. Time in class is spent working on applied assessment tasks.

Teaching Schedule

Week 1: Complex cases and case management
• Defining complex cases
• Child protection framework and system in Victoria
• Responsibilities, duty of care and risk 
• Child centred practices

Week 2: Understanding abuse, harm and risk
• The cause and effects of abuse, harm and indicators of risk
• Theories of vulnerability and resilience 
• Childhood development
• Change process

Week 3: Preparing case plans with children and young people
• Conducting assessments and encouraging participation in planning
• Identifying strengths and protective factors
• Strategies, goals and interventions, taking into account cultural needs, family dynamics and the community
• Developing contingency plan and responding to crisis

Week 4: Coordinating support and services
• Implementing case plans
• Working with service providers and developing contracts
• Establishing and implementing monitoring and review processes

Week 5: Coordinating and participating in case conferences
• Convening meetings and preparing participants
• Managing conflict and negotiating change
• Preparing case histories

Week 6: Undertaking case closure
• Evaluating and reflecting on outcomes and 
• Negotiating closure and managing handover
• Improving performance

Week 7: Assessment workshop, review and reflection
• Finalising assessments tasks
• Course review and reflection on learning
• Reflection on placement case experiences

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

References

Other Resources

Learning Resources The University Library provides extensive services, facilities and study space as well as comprehensive collections of books, periodicals and other course related materials, such as DVD’s, magazines, slides, films etc. Computer laboratories with access to a wide range of desktop publishing software are also available. The library also has an expanding virtual collection of electronic resources and networks, including product data, e-books, electronic journals and newspapers, web based tutorials, online reference and document delivery services etc., all of which are accessible on campus, and off campus 24 hours per day. More information on library resources and services can be found at: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library

If you need additional support, visit RMIT’s Learning Lab, either in person or online: http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/

Equitable Learning Services (ELS) provides support and equal opportunities for students with a disability, long-term illness and/or mental health condition and primary carers of individuals with a disability.The link is : https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-support/equitable-learning-services

Overview of Assessment

 

This unit is assessed in a cluster with CHCCSM004 Coordinate complex case requirements

There are four assessment tasks consisting of 2 group, 1 individual and 1 quiz

Assessment Tasks

 

 

Assessment task 1: Assess the needs of clients and develop case plans.

Assessment task 2: Coordinate support, service delivery and a case conference.

Assessment task 3: Manage the closure of cases.

Assessment task 4: Complete one online, self-paced quiz on the key issues and concepts relating to the case work and assessing co-existing needs.

 

Assessment Matrix

 

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These matrix’s are available through program administration.

Other Information

 

Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: rmit.edu.au/students

Cover Sheet for Submissions
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work, including online submissions. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of implications of plagiarism.

Attendance
It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.

Applying for an Extension

Extension of time for assessment tasks may be granted where circumstances beyond your control prevent submission by the published due date. Speak with your teacher or course coordinator regarding applying for an extension.

Applying for Special Consideration

If you are seeking an extension of more than seven calendar days (from the original due date) you must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form, preferably prior to, but no later than two working days after the official due date. Late applications will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances. For information about Special Consideration and how to apply, see:

http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity means honesty and responsibility in scholarship through respecting the work of others whilst having the freedom to build new insights, new knowledge and ideas. RMIT University upholds the values of academic integrity as fundamental to the scholarship undertaken by all members of its community. Whenever you refer to another person’s research or ideas (either by directly quoting or paraphrasing them) you must acknowledge your source.

If you are even in doubt about how to properly cite a reference, consult your lecturer or the academic integrity website: http://www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity

The RMIT library provides tools to assist with your referencing http://www1.rmit.edu.au/library/referencing

Plagiarism and Collusion

Plagiarism and collusion constitute extremely serious academic misconduct, and are forms of cheating. You are reminded that cheating, whether by fabrication, falsification of data, or plagiarism, is an offence subject to University disciplinary procedures. Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. It is a form of cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. Plagiarised material can be drawn from, and presented in, written, graphic and visual form, including electronic data, and oral presentations. Plagiarism occurs when the origin of the material used is not appropriately cited. Plagiarism is not acceptable.

Examples of plagiarism include:

• Copying sentences or paragraphs word-for-word from one or more sources, whether published or unpublished, which could include but is not limited to books, journals, reports, theses, websites, conference papers, course notes, etc. without proper citation;
• Closely paraphrasing sentences, paragraphs, ideas or themes without proper citation;
• Piecing together text from one or more sources and adding only linking sentences;
• Copying or submitting whole or parts of computer files without acknowledging their source;
• Copying designs or works of art and submitting them as your original work;
• Copying a whole or any part of another student's work; and
• Submitting work as your own that someone else has done for you.
• Enabling Plagiarism: the act of assisting or allowing another person to plagiarise or to copy your own work is also an offence.

For further information, please see the RMIT Plagiarism Policy –  http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=sg4yfqzod48g1 (unresolved) – and the RMIT Student Conduct Regulations – http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=r7a7an6qug93

Plagiarism Software

The originality verification software Turnitin may be used in this course. For details, see: http://www.turnitin.com

Complaints Procedure:

RMIT University is committed to providing a harmonious study and work environment for all students and staff. The University recognises your right to raise concerns about academic, administrative or support services without recrimination and has policies and procedures to assist in the resolution of complaints.

Most issues are resolved at the local level and you are encouraged to take steps to resolve your issue locally. The student complaint procedure details steps to take if your problem is not resolved or you believe the response you received is unreasonable.

Student Complaints Policy: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/policies/studentcomplaintspolicy

Student complaints Procedure: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=i1lexipvjt22

Student Complaints Form: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/v4ujvmyojugxz.pdf

Course Overview: Access Course Overview