DHS/DEECD protocols

Cross-departmental protocols for working with children registered with Human Services.

Under the policy of a “Fairer Victoria”, Victorian Government departments are working closely together to deliver better outcomes for children. The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and Department of Human Services and in Gippsland are working together to ensure clearer understandings of the working protocols of both organisations when it comes to working with children who are registered with the Department of Human Services.

Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and Department of Human Services employers need to be aware of the following:

  • a) Within two weeks of a report the notifier will receive:
    • (i) notification of no further action – case closed.
    • (ii) notification of investigation or referral with the name of a team leader and phone number for future contact.
  • b) For pre-school children registered with DHS Services eg. Early Intervention, Child Protection, a joint Initial Program Support Group Meeting will be held during term two of the year prior to school entry. It is the responsibility of the DHS Case Manager to initiate contact with the principals to arrange for the meeting. This notification of students in term two will enable schools to plan for the appropriate transition of students in partnership with DHS.

Protocols for working with young people in out of home care.

Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and Department of Human Services employers need to be aware of the following protocols regarding young people in and out of home care.

  • The care manager will ensure that relevant information about the child’s history and care arrangements is provided to the school at the time of enrolment or before enrolment.
  • If this is not possible, then attendance is deferred until the school is comfortable that it is possible for the child to attend or the case worker has made the relevant information available to the school.
  • If carers have issues with material provisions or uniforms, then the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (schools) will take responsibility for book and subjects needs and the Department of Human Services will take responsibility for any uniform needs.
  • The principal, in partnership with the case worker, is expected to establish a support group for all children in out of home care.
  • All schools will develop an Individual Education Plan within the first month of ongoing attendance of an “out of home care” child.
  • The Individual Education plan needs to be in line with the guidelines in The Partnering Agreement: School Attendance and Engagement of Children and Young People In and Out of Home Care.