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Northern Territory Department of Health Library Services Historical Collection
HISTORICAL COLLECTION
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NT DEPARTMENT OF HEAL TH.,liiii.
AND COMMUNITY SERVICESCOTTAGE HOMES
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NT Dept. of Health
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INDEX
General Information Admission Procedure
Details of the Cottage Homes Responsibilities:
- Case Manager/Caseworker - Cottage Parents
- Substitute Care Worker
Admission Form
Case Management Plan Post Placement Report
Contact : Cottage Homes Liaison Officer Adoption and Substitute Care Unit Telephone: (089) 22 7077
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Page Number
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6 7-8 9
Appendix A Appendix B AppendixC
March 1994
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GENERAL INFORMATION
The principal objective of Cottage Homes is the provision of quality care appropriate to the needs of the child.
Cottage Homes provide emergency and short term care for children while a family crisis is being assessed or while other placement options are being determined.
A Cottage Home can provide an alternative to foster care placement in the following situations, as defined in the Policy Manual:
1. Emergency Care/Short Term Care 2. Interim Care
3. Temporary Care
4. Child awaiting foster care placement 5. Pending Community Care Placement
6. Longer term care can be provided where it has been established that other care is not a
viable option for a particular child.
ADMISSION PROCEDURE - INFORMATION FOR COTIAGE PARENTS AND CASEWORKERS
Under no circumstances is a child to be admitted without an authority under the Commu- nity Welfare Act, as this would constitute a breach of the Department's Policy and
Procedures.
1. Caseworker contacts the Adoptions and Substitute Care Unit regarding placement required.
The Adoptions and Substitute Care Unit shall consider the age, sex and behaviour of the child and relate this to present Cottage Home residents, and decide on suitability of placement.
2. If approved the Caseworker contacts the relevant Cottage Parent to make placement arrangements.
3. On admission the admitting officer must:
• Fill out admission form with as much information as possible.
• Supply interim Case Management Plan
• In conjunction with the Cottage Parent discuss House Rules with the Child(ren).
• Advise Cottage Parent of any other relevant information.
• Give instruction to Cottage Parent regarding any restrictions in respect of the children (for examples contacts, places etc).
After Hours Emergency Placements
The After Hours Worker must:
• Fill out admission form with as much information as possible.
• Supply Interim Case Management Plan- sufficient to ensure that the child's needs are met prior to the appointment of a caseworker.
• In conjunction with the Cottage Parent discuss House Rules with the child(ren).
• Advise Cottage Parent of any other relevant information.
• Give instruction to Cottage Parent regarding the child(ren)'s restrictions.
• Advise Adoptions and Substitute Care Unit of placement the following morning; or next working day.
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TERMINATION OF PLACEMENT
• Caseworker must be present when a child is being discharged from the Cottage Home.
DETAILS OF THE COTIAGE HOMES
HARNEY HOUSE Location:
Age Area:
Capacity:
Length of Stay :
Case Conference:
Panel Meeting:
12 Sabine Road, Millner Telephone: (089) 85 3074 0 to 11 Years
- Except when Hamey House is seen to be the most appropriate option for an older child. This is subject to approval Manager Adoptions and Substitute Care Unit.
Only the Manager of the Adoptions and Substitute Care Unit (or Program Manager, Family Youth and Childrens Services) can authorise any change to the above Age Area.
It is preferable that babies be placed in Foster Care where possible.
6 children
- for any additional placements approval must be sought from Manager Adoptions and Substitute Care Unit.
8 weeks unless decision to exceed is inade by Panel, in consultation with Manager Adoptions and Substitute Care Unit.
To be called by the Caseworker within 48 hours of placement or as soon as possible thereafter. This is to ensure that the Cottage Parents are adequately informed regarding the child.
Panel Meetings are more detailed planning conferences and will be
called on a case by case basis. The primary responsibility for calling
a Panel Meeting rests with the Case Manager. The Panel comprises
Caseworker, Case Manager, Departmental Psychologist, Substitute
Care Worker and other relevant persons.
HENRY STREET Location:
Age Area:
Capacity:
Length of Stay:
7 Henry Street, Stuart Park Telephone: (089) 81 5221 12 to 18 years
- Unless otherwise authorised by Manager Adoptions and Substitute Care Unit and/ or in conjunction with Panel recommendation.
Only the Manager of the Adoptions and Substitute Care Unit (or Program Manager, Family Youth and Childrens Services) can authorise any change to the above Age Area.
3 to 6 children
- Numbers will vary in accordance with children's needs and will be at the discretion of the Manager, Adoptions and Substitute Care Unit.
Varies in accordance with needs of young person, as decided by Panel and authorised by Manager Adoptions and Substitute Care Unit.
Types of admission: Will include emergency and short term placements and long term goal centred placements for adolescents for whom other placement options are considered inappropriate.
Case Conference:
Panel Meetings:
To be called by the Caseworker within 48 hours of placements, or as soon as possible thereafter. This is to ensure that the Cottage Parents are adequately informed regarding the child.
Panel Meetings are more detailed planning conferences and will be called on a case by case basis. The primary responsibility for calling a Panel Meeting rests with the Case Manager. The Panel comprises Caseworker, Case Manager, Departmental Psychologist, Substitute Care Worker and other relevant persons.
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HARNEY HOUSE AND HENRY STREET
• Staffing: Each Cottage Home is staffed by:
• Consultant Cottage Parents
• House Aide
• Family Contact: Family contact is encouraged, details should be specified in Case
Management Plan.
RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CASE MANAGER/CASEWORKER
• To be responsible for the development and implementation of case plans including access. Access is to be arranged at venues other than the Cottage Homes whenever possible
• To inform the child of their responsibilities and also the Cottage Parent of their role in ensuring aspects of the Management Plan are followed through.
• To ensure that the child's needs regarding school and education options are explored and that decisions are made. Please inform the school of any change in circumstances.
• To ensure appropriate methods of discipline are discussed with the Cottage Parent.
• To ensure regular contact with the child is maintained.
• To ensure a case conference is called within 48 hours of placement or as soon as possible thereafter.
• To ensure Panel Meetings are called and appropriate review dates are specified.
• To ensure support of the Cottage Parent and provision of assistance and direction in respect of specific children are given where necessary.
• To ensure the Adoptions and Substitute Care Unit is advised of any change in circumstance of the placement.
• To ensure adequate information regarding child's background, current situation and needs etc is provided to the Cottage Parents regularly.
• To ensure the child has adequate clothing.
• To ensure that the child's medical needs are attended to.
• To ensure the child receives other treatment or professional support as required - eg psychological counselling, occupational therapy, remedial classes, dental work, educational tutoring, etc.
• To ensure that, wherever possible, the child's existing sporting or other interests are maintained.
• To ensure transport needs are arranged and the Cottage Parent is advised of any changes to circumstances.
* The delineation of Caseworker/Case Manager and subsequent allocation of
responsibilities will occur at the Case Conference and/or panel meeting as necessary.
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RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COTTAGE PARENT
To provide quality care appropriate to the child's individual needs in accordance with Schedule 3 (clause 1) of the Section 5 Consultants Contract as follows:
1. The Consultants shall look after, care for, bring up and otherwise well and truly attend to every Child in the custody or guardianship of the Minister for Health and
Community Services ("the Minister"), which is placed in the custody and control of the Consultants by the Minister.
2. The Consultants shall maintain a house for the children which is safe, clean, in good repair, properly ventilated, lit and cooled.
3. The Consultants shall in relation to every child placed in their care and control ensure:
(a) the health, welfare and progress of the child is promoted;
(b) the child is provided with a range of activities designed to promote social, emotional, cognitive, cultural and physical development;
(c) the child is provided with nutritious and sufficient food;
(d) the child wears adequate and suitable clothing and footwear at all times;
(e) the child is provided with educational and recreational activities suitable for the needs and interests of the child;
(f)
the child is provided with guidance as to generally accepted community standards of behaviour;
(g) the child is provided with encouragement to participate in the ordinary life of the community;
(h) the child is provided with encouragement to observe and participate in the child's
culture and religion.
4. The Consultants shall in relation to every child placed in their care and control:
(a) implement or be guided by the case plan or case management plan provided by the Territory;
(b) encourage communication between the child and the child's family and friends;
except where to do so would contravene a Court Order or would be detrimental to the interests and welfare of the child;
(c) notify the Minister and the Police immediately if a child goes missing.
5. The Consultants shall ensure that each child placed in their care and control.
(a) is afforded opportunity for quiet study if the child is attending school;
(b) is supplied with necessary medical, dental treatment and shall notify the Minister as soon as practical but no later than 24 hours of a child being admitted into a hospital;
(c) is provided with sufficient, reasoned and appropriate discipline;
(d) is adequately supervised in accordance with the "Guidelines for Supervision" - to be provided.
6. The Consultants shall notify the Minister immediately if a child in the Consultants' custody and care dies.
7. The Consultants shall not force a child to participate in the religion or culture of the Consultants.
8. The Consultants shall familiarise themselves with all aspects of the Cottage Homes Policy and Procedures Manual and provide, where practicable, care and management of the children in accordance with . that Manual.
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RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COTIAGE HOMES LIAISON OFFICER
• To provide liaison between Family Youth and Childrens' Services Workers and Cottage Parents.
• To be available at any stage to assist Caseworker in relation to programme areas.
• To ensure Case Conferences and Panel Meetings are called as required (should the Case Manager/Caseworker fail to do so) and to participate in same.
• To be available to the Cottage Parents should any problems arise.
• To visit Cottage Homes on a weekly basis in order to discuss the overall running of the home and any child management issues - where appropriate report to Caseworker, Psychologist (or appropriate person), and provide support.
• To facilitate monthly payments to Cottage Parents as per contractual arrangements.
• To monitor, assess and advise the Manager Adoptions and Substitute Care Unit of the standards of care and services provided to the children.
• To assess the overall functions and management of the Cottage Homes on an on-going basis and recommend any changes required.
• To prepare monthly activity reports to be submitted to Manager Adoptions and
Substitute Care Unit and Program Manager Family Youth and Childrens' Services re
admissions, length of stay etc, expenses, use of casuals, number of Case Conferences
and Panels .
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APPENDIX 'A'
FORMS
COTT AGE HOME ADMISSION
DEPARTMENT OF HEAL TH AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
HARNEY HOUSE
D
HENRY STREETD
HM28-1/94Child's Name Date of Birth
... I ... /19 ...
Admitting Officer Date Admitted
... I ... /19 ...
Welfare Act Authority Proposed Length of Stay
Caseworker Office File No.
PERSONAL DETAILS
Mothers name ...•... Fathers Name ... . Address... Address (if different from mothers): ... .
Telephone ... Telephone ...•...
Siblings ...•...•...•...•..•.•...•...•...•.... ·. · ...••...•...
Close Friend/Relative ... . Address ...•...••...•...
School ... ... .. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... Telephone ...•...
Medicare No. . ... .
Doctor or Clinic ... . Last Attended ... / ... /19 ... . Reason for Admission
General Comment (eg. Behavioural Problems)
...
Medical Information
Past Serious Injuries
Contact Restrictions
Contact Encouragement
Interim Case Management Plan (brief description)
V>\...'? I \
I/
'L.Interim Case Plan (brief description)
... .... ...
Copy of Case Management Plan Copy of Case Plan
No
D
YesD
... I ... /19 ... . NoD
YesD
... I ... /19 ... .Comments
...
... I ... /19 ... . Signature Caseworker/Case Manager... I ... /19 ... . Signature Cottage Parent
COTTAGE HOME CASE MANAGEMENT PLAN
NT DEPARTMENT OF HEAL TH AND COMMUNITY SERVICES Name of child
Caseworker
Reason for placement/why Cottage Home appropriate
Expected length of placement (Case Conference will be called for any extension required}
Educational needs (note any specific requirements}
00 311
;,-s
HM27-3/94 Date of birth
File No.
Details of contacts/visits/appointments/sporting activities etc(please indicate transportation requirements and note day and time of visits}
Continued over page
Significant others (include Counsellors/Therapists)
Caseworker Contact
Permitted telephone contact
Expected problems and management suggestions
Behavioural Problem Suggested Consequence
Medical requirements/current treatments
· Development of skills (such as those towards independent living ie being responsible, budgeting pocket money, extra chores, maintaining hygeine)
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Development of skills • continued
Program Involvement (eg school holiday activities organised etc)
Expectation of placement
Signature Caseworker: ... . . ... J ... )19 ... .
POST PLACEMENT REPORT
NT DEPARTMENT OF HEAL TII AND COMMUNITY SERIVCES
To be completed by Foster Parent/Community Caregiver/Cottage Parent and sent to the Substitute Care Unit after placement has terminated. (How you experienced this placement)
Name of Child DOB
00311/IS
... ./ ... ./19 ... .
Caseworker Office
Placement commenced: ... ./ ... ./19 ... . Placement terminated: ... ./ ... ./19 ... .
1. Personality of child· ... .
2. Habits and Mannerisms/Attitudes to Affection ... .
3. Unusual or Problem Behaviour ... .
4. Ease in Managing Child/Techniques in handling discipline
