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4. Close an ongoing intervention case

4.1 Prepare for case closure

The decision to close a case is part of a planned process that occurs as part of the assessment, planning, implementation and review cycle. Planning for case closure is most effective when the implementation of the case plan or support plan is regularly monitored and reviewed with the child and family, and the child and family are kept informed about the timelines for closure of the case.

For a child in need of protection, the decision about case closure is made as part of the review of a case plan and is dependent on the progress made to meet the case plan goal and outcomes. Complete the review of the case plan in accordance with Chapter 4, 5. Review and revise the case plan.

For a child who is not in need of protection, the decision about case closure is made as part of the review of a support plan. Complete the review of the support plan in accordance with Chapter 7. Support service cases.

When to close a case for a child in need of protection

To close a case for child in need of protection, ensure that either:

the child protection order has expired or been revoked, where applicable
the family have met the case plan outcomes to the extent that the child is no longer in need of protection, based on:
- completion of a risk assessment, which includes completion of the family risk re-evaluation and there is a 'low' or 'moderate' risk level
- completion of a safety assessment in which no immediate harm indicators are present for the child
the child has transitioned from care, has turned 18 years and no longer requires support from Child Safety Services.

When a young person who is 18 years, has transitioned from care and requires ongoing support and assistance from Child Safety Services, this will occur through a support service case. The decision to provide a support service case is made prior to the young person reaching the age of 18 years. In this circumstance, the case management type will change to a support service case.

For further details about closing an intervention with parental agreement, refer to Chapter 6, 4.1 End the intervention with parental agreement.

When to close a support service case

To close a support service case for a child who is not in need of protection, ensure that:

the completed family risk re-evaluation has an outcome of either a 'low' or 'moderate' risk
a safety assessment has been completed and there are no immediate harm indicators present for the child
where relevant, existing service providers will continue to work with the child and family following the closure of the case by Child Safety Services.

If the parents withdraw their consent to continuing with a support service case, the case cannot be closed until a safety assessment is completed. For further information refer to Chapter 7. Support service cases.

A support service case for a pregnant woman will be closed when either:

the pregnant woman withdraws her consent for the ongoing intervention
the support needs of the pregnant woman have been met
the pregnant woman has given birth to a child, and a decision has been made about what, if any, further intervention is required.

A support service case for a young person over the age of 18 years will be closed when either:

the young person withdraws their consent for the ongoing intervention
the identified support needs of a young person have been met.

The decision to close a case must be approved by the team leader, following a review of the case plan or support plan.

Assess the impact of case closure on the child and family

During ongoing intervention with the child and the family, relationships are established that may have emotional significance for those involved. When relationships change or end there may be feelings of loss and anger. Make every effort to ensure that the case closure process is a positive experience for the child, family, carers and service providers, whenever possible.

Prepare to close the case

When case closure is being considered:

assess the demonstrated change, for the period subject to review, in the parents ability to meet the child's protection and care needs
ensure consideration is given, where applicable, to preparing and supporting the child through the transition, for example, where the decision is made to reunify a child with parents
prepare the child and family, pregnant woman or young person for what will happen when the ongoing intervention by Child Safety Services ceases
inform all relevant people that Child Safety Services is to end the ongoing intervention with the child and family.

In cases where a child has been reunified with the family, the case will remain open for a period of time to ensure the ongoing safety and well-being of the child. The period of time will vary according to the specific situation for each child.

In cases where a child has recently left an out-of-home care placement, undertake relevant planning activities, as outlined in Chapter 5, 4. Conclude an out-of-home care placement.

If the placement at home incorporates a different type of ongoing intervention, update the case management tab, located on the person record in ICMS - refer to 1.6 Record case management information in ICMS.

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4.2 Complete actions to close a case

Actions to close a case for a child in need of protection

Following the preparation for case closure, take the following actions to close a case:

ensure that all relevant review documentation is recorded in ICMS, and clearly document the decision and the rationale to close the case
gain verbal approval by the team leader to close the case
meet with the child and family, pregnant woman or young person before closing the case, to discuss the factors outlined below, as applicable:
- the abilities and strengths of the pregnant woman or young person, or within the family
- the actions they have taken and the outcomes they have achieved
- their goals and likely challenges
- strategies the parents can use in the future to continue to meet the child's needs
- their ability to make changes independently in their lives
- their support network
- other services available to them
ensure all relevant people involved in the case have been prepared and are advised that the case closure will go ahead
update the case management tab located on the person record in ICMS - refer to 1.6 Record case management information in ICMS.