Social worker's role regarding Youth Protective Assessments 003-12030030

An agreement between State, Territory and Commonwealth governments was developed to address concerns about better integrating the services needed by young people who are unsupported and experiencing homelessness. This enabled the roles and responsibilities for each level of government to be clarified. This was previously known as the Youth Protocol.

State and Territory governments are responsible for ensuring the care and protection of young people in accordance with State and Territory legislation. The Commonwealth is responsible for the provision of income support to young people who are unsupported, experiencing homelessness and above minimum school leaving age. In exceptional circumstances, the Commonwealth retains the discretion to provide income support to a homeless person under minimum school leaving age.

Social workers should refer a young person to a State/Territory Welfare Authority for a protective assessment of their needs if they are:

• under 15 years of age and homeless or unsupported,
• under 18 years and in the guardianship, care or custody of a state/territory welfare department, or
• aged 15 to 17 years (inclusive) and considered to be at risk of abuse, serious harm or violence

Services Australia social workers are the liaison and referral agents between the agency and State/Territory Welfare Authorities.

All social workers APS5 and above, as well as some other staff (generally a team leader or manager), have delegation to release information to police or other relevant authorities where necessary to prevent or lessen a threat to life, health or welfare of a person. APS5 social workers should seek approval from their supervisor, or another social worker APS6 or above, prior to releasing information to a State/Territory Child Protection Agency. See Delegations Register for confirmation.

Any release of information in the public interest must be recorded on the release of information form, to be reviewed and filed by the Information Release team.