Unsupported under 16 year olds to be immediately referred to a Services Australia social worker 003-12030020

If a child is in immediate danger or risk of harm you must act, and a delegate must call 000.

This document outlines referring unsupported under 16 year olds to a Services Australia social worker.

Child safe framework

Services Australia has a zero tolerance approach to child abuse.

A staff member must act when they see or hear behaviour which raises concern about a child or young person’s safety. Follow the agency's Risk Identification and Reporting model when identifying and responding to child safety concerns. See Risk identification and management of threats to the safety or welfare of a child.

Social worker referral

Services Australia has a responsibility to immediately refer unsupported young people under 16 years of age to Services Australia's social workers.

Procedure for liaison and referral with state/territory welfare departments

State/territory welfare departments are generally responsible for the financial support and safety of independent young people under 15 years and young people who are subject to a guardianship, care or custody order. Service Officers are still required to refer all unsupported young people under 16 years of age to a Services Australia social worker.

Note: the Commonwealth and state/territory Youth Protocol is no longer in force however, the principles still apply. The principles inform referral procedures by which young people who are unsupported and at risk are referred from the Commonwealth to state and territory Welfare Authorities for assessment and support.

Services Australia social workers will be the point of liaison and referral between the Department of Social Services and State and Territory Welfare Authorities.

Any release of information in the public interest to a state or territory child protection agency must be recorded on the release of information form, to be reviewed and filed by the Information Release team.

The Resources page contains links to the Public Interest Release of Information form, contact details and the Youth Protective Assessment principles.

Related links

Assisting a customer aged under 16

Social worker's role regarding Youth Protective Assessments

Risk identification and management of threats to the safety or welfare of a child