See procedure Transfers to and from the AHCPES for tasks that must be undertaken.
The development of the After Hours Child Protection Emergency Service (AHCPES) 'Possible Contact' process is aimed at facilitating continuity of case management where a child subject to child protection intervention may require case work assistance outside business hours. See AHCPES and rural after hours service service description.
When a child protection practitioner believes there is a possibility of a crisis involving a current child protection client occurring after hours they should record a possible contact on the client information system. An off-line copy of the ‘After hours service possible contact’ form is available in Forms and secure documents - High risk and infant intensive response.
The AHCPES will also consider and prioritise requests from divisions for tasks to be undertaken — for example, seeking or executing a warrant, or liaison with a hospital regarding a child over the weekend. If a practitioner wishes the AHCPES to undertake tasks in relation to a crisis or urgent situation, they should consult with their team manager who will make a transfer request following the procedures set out in procedure Transfers to and from the AHCPES.
Detailed, accurate and up to date information contained within any possible contact case note will greatly assist the AHCPES in providing an effective management strategy that is as consistent with the divisional plan as far as circumstances permit.
Divisional child protection practitioners should give consideration to phoning AHCPES regarding a possible contact in cases where there may be media or high-level public interest, where a client is gravely ill or where legal intervention may be required should the client come to AHCPES attention.