Recording referrals in the Social Work Information System (SWIS) 003-12130010
Expand allIf you have concerns about a child’s safety, conduct the risk and referral process.
For Services Australia social workers only.
This document outlines the different categories and fields used by Services Australia social workers to record referrals in SWIS.
Definition of referral
A referral is when a customer is referred to a social worker for a particular reason or combination of reasons, for example:
- a delegated assessment
- help with accommodation
- a family and domestic violence incident
- issues relating to caring for a friend or relative
Referral contact required
For every referral there must be at least 1 contact recorded, and in many cases there are multiple contacts for each referral. For more information on contacts, see Recording contacts in the Social Work Information System (SWIS).
Restrictions on referral issues
Social workers are restricted to recording a maximum of 3 referral issues per referral. If more than 3 issues are identified, only the 3 most significant issues should be recorded, and a second referral must not be recorded to note the additional issues. There is currently no provision to prioritise the referral issues, but this is under consideration for future SWIS Releases.
The Resources page contains a link to the updated SWIS Help text.
Related links
Recording contacts in the Social Work Information System (SWIS)
Recording non-casework activities in the Social Work Information System (SWIS)
Recording Crisis Payment (CrP) assessments - social work
Recording Vulnerable Welfare Payment Recipient (VWPR) Notice assessments - social work
Risk identification and management of threats to the safety or welfare of a child