Home > Chapters > 9. Matters of concern > Key steps

Key steps

1. Decide whether information constitutes a matter of concern

1.1 What constitutes a matter of concern
1.2 The CSSC responsible for a matter of concern
1.3 Gather information
1.4 Consult with relevant people
1.5 Seek CSSC manager approval for the decision
1.6 Complete a critical incident report
1.7 Recording and approval requirements

2. Assess a child placement concern report

2.1 Decide who will conduct the assessment
2.2 Provide required information prior to planning
2.3 Plan the assessment
2.4 Arrange meetings with the child and the approved carer or staff member
2.5 Conduct the assessment
2.6 Decide the assessment outcome
2.7 Actions required following the assessment
2.8 Provide required information following the assessment

3. Investigate and assess a matter of concern notification

3.1 Decide who will conduct the investigation and assessment
3.2 Provide required information prior to planning
3.3 Plan the investigation and assessment
3.4 Arrange interviews with the child and the approved carer or staff member
3.5 Conduct the investigation and assessment
3.6 Assess the information gathered during the investigation and assessment
3.7 Decide the investigation and assessment outcome
3.8 Actions required following the assessment
3.9 Provide required information following the investigation and assessment

4. Develop and monitor an action plan

4.1 When to develop an action plan
4.2 Who will develop the action plan
4.3 Who will participate in the development of the action plan
4.4 Review suitability as part of the action plan
4.5 Develop the action plan
4.6 Implement and monitor the action plan
4.7 Review the action plan

What ifs - responding to specific matters of concern matters

1. What if additional concerns are received?
2. What if there is harm by another household member?
3. What if there is harm by a person living outside the care environment?
4. What if the child needs to be moved to a new placement?
5. What if the concerns received are historical?
6. What if the notifier is vexatious or malicious?
7. What if there are multiple matters of concern?
8. What if assistance is required from the Matters of Concern Review Unit?
9. What if a staff member is responsible for concerns of a serious nature?
10. What if a matter of concern coincides with the renewal of approval for a carer?
11. What if a person wants to make a complaint or seek a review?
12. What if there is a request for a copy of Child Safety Services' records?