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3. Close a support service case

3.1 Close a support service case

Prior to deciding to close a support service case:

complete a review of the support plan and document the review outcome
for a child and family (see below), complete a safety assessment if the case is likely to be closed
determine and clarify whether ongoing support by other agencies is to continue
take into account the factors specific to each type of support service case, as outlined below.

The team leader is responsible for approving a decision to close a support service case, unless this decision is made by the CSSC manager when considering whether to continue a support service case beyond a period of twelve months.

When the decision to close a case is approved:

inform all parties of the decision - for further information, refer to Chapter 3, 4.1 Prepare for case closure
close the case - refer to Chapter 3, 4.2 Complete actions to close a case.

Child and family

A support service case with a child and family cannot be closed until the risk level is reduced to 'low' or 'moderate', unless the parents withdraw consent to the intervention, or the CSSC manager decides not to provide further intervention when the case has been open for longer than twelve months.

A support service case can be closed when it is assessed that the goal and outcomes of the support service case have been achieved, and the family risk re-evaluation outcome is to 'low' or 'moderate'.

In all circumstances, complete a subsequent safety assessment prior to obtaining approval to close the case - for further information, refer to Chapter 2, 2.5 Complete the safety assessment, and:

where there are no immediate harm indicators present within the household, seek approval to close the case and record the decision and rationale in ICMS
where there are immediate harm indicators present within the household, consult with the team leader about the appropriate response or intervention required.

Pregnant woman

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

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
the pregnant woman withdraws consent for the ongoing intervention - refer to 2. What if a pregnant woman will not consent, or withdraws consent, to ongoing intervention?

A safety assessment is not required prior to closing this type of support service case.

Young person

Close the support service case for a young person who has transitioned care, when either:

the goal and outcomes of the support plan have been achieved
the CSSC manager decides the support service case will not continue
the young person withdraws consent to the intervention.