Kim Nixon, NSW Community Services Kim.Nixon@community.nsw.au

1. Kim Nixon, NSW Community ServicesKim.Nixon@community.nsw.gov.au Responding to vulnerable families in child welfare systems, through the effective use of case reviews

2. Metro West Practice Standards Unit • Established in December 2007 • Director, Practice Standards (DPS) • Up to 11 Casework Specialists (CWS) • Region Wide Team • Covers eight Community Service Centres (CSC’s) from Katoomba to Auburn

3. Case reviews are used nationally and internationally • Day to day management of child protection matters; • Management of children and young people in OOHC systems; • Learning from child deaths or cases of significant harm; • For the specific purpose of continuous quality improvement.

4. Sample of Case Review Referrals • Team up in pairs or threes • Read the case scenario for the Henry* Family and briefly consider: • What action might need to be taken to conduct a comprehensive review of this case? * A compilation of several case reviews, using a pseudonym

5. KOLB’S REFLECTIVE LEARNING CYCLE (1988)Adapted for use by Dr Judith Gibbs and CS PDQA Unit Experience Plan and Act Reflect Analyse

6. Case Review Model

7. 1. The Referral • The referral form collects basic information such as family composition and ages, reason for the referral, number of case files. • All paper and computerised files are reviewed prior to discussions with caseworkers or managers. • Additional files such as parent’s files or foster care files may be sought.

8. 2. Review of case files and computerised information • A chronology is compiled, identifying gaps or patterns in the facts or evidence; highlighting any unsupported statements about a child, their family and their history. • Concurrently reviews relevant research literature, as well as policies, procedures, guidelines and legislation that might inform the review.

9. Bias and Errors in Reasoning • failure to consider new information • resistance to new information • inability of the worker to change their mind May be evident in case documentation

10. 3. CWS and DPS meet • Kolb’s RLC used to assist the CWS to: • “interrogate” available information; • unpack current understanding of the case; • make explicit assumptions or beliefs; • draw on knowledge of theory and practice experiences; • and consider new possibilities.

11. 4. Meeting between the CWS and the CSC staff • Provides an opportunity for staff to unpack their own experiences; and to reflect on the case, their practice and on any new case and research evidence and considerations, provided by the CWS. • Ensure discussion around case history and future case considerations remains grounded in the evidence.

12. 5. Preparation of the Case Review Report • Reports are prepared using a standardised template and style format • Case and research evidence is fully referenced • Assumptions, existing beliefs, and decision making not supported by the evidence, are actively challenged in a diplomatic and non blaming manner • Case considerations are provided, with no surprises for the CSC Staff

13. Important steps in Case Reviews • gathering relevant evidence from all possible sources; checking the accuracy of all case evidence • analysing and critically reflecting on all available case and research evidence • interviewing the children wherever possible • obtaining a good knowledge of the case history

14. Impact of the Case Reviews • Evidence is provided for future casework and case planning • Case practice is strengthened • Capacity for quality practice is developed • Better outcomes are achieved for children in the child welfare system

15. Kim Nixon, NSW Community ServicesKim.Nixon@community.nsw.gov.au Responding to vulnerable families in child welfare systems, through the effective use of case reviews