See Decision on outcome of investigation for tasks that must be undertaken.
At the conclusion of the investigation the decision to substantiate harm, or not; the rationale for the decision; and the SAFER risk assessment must be completed in CRIS.
The risk assessment will determine the consequence and probability of harm to guide and support decision making and outcomes. At the conclusion of the investigation, refer to the substantiation judgement matrix to guide substantiation decision making.
When harm is confirmed the case is substantiated.
To substantiate against the grounds of s.162 of the CYFA, harm is confirmed within the essential information category and case planning is required.
Essential information categories, excluding harm, may be confirmed and the case not substantiated.
The possible outcomes are:
- Substantiated (harm confirmed, case planning required)
- Not substantiated (harm not confirmed, other essential information categories not linked to harm confirmed)
- Not substantiated (harm not confirmed, essential information categories alleged/verified/disproved/unable to resolve/unable to investigate)
- No first visit attempted.
Substantiated – harm confirmed, case planning required
The risk assessment has determined the child or young person is in need of care and protection and the case is substantiated against the relevant grounds as set out in s.162 of the CYFA.
Case planning is required to ensure the child is protected from harm and their safety, wellbeing and development is promoted.
Next steps may include:
- closure based on a review risk assessment where the parents have made reasonable decisions and taken actions to protect the child from future harm and promote their safety, wellbeing and development
- referral to The Orange Door as appropriate to the circumstances where the parents are willing and able to protect the child/ren with support
- further protective intervention where parental capacity to protect is unclear and/or needs support
- an application to the Court where the parents have not or are unwilling to or are unable to protect the child from harm.
Not substantiated (harm not confirmed, other essential information categories confirmed)
No further action required
- There is evidence of concerns for the safety, wellbeing and development of the child (including cumulative harm) that has been confirmed. Parents have made reasonable decisions and taken actions to protect the child from future harm and promote their safety, wellbeing and development.
Referral to services is not required.
Significant concern for wellbeing of child – referral for service
- There is significant concern for wellbeing of the child and the parents are willing and able to take every reasonable decision and action necessary to protect the child from harm and promote their safety, wellbeing and development, referral to The Orange Door.
Not substantiated (harm not confirmed, essential information categories alleged/verified/disproved/unable to resolve/unable to investigate)
No significant concern
- There is no evidence of significant concerns for the safety, wellbeing and/or development of the child (including cumulative harm).
- Provide information and advice as appropriate to the circumstances and close.
Significant concern for wellbeing – referral
- There is evidence of concerns for the safety, wellbeing and/or development of the child (including cumulative harm) that is unable to be confirmed by Child Protection.
- Refer directly to a community service as appropriate to the circumstances.
Unable to complete investigation
- The investigation has commenced but has not been able to be completed due to the child being unable to be located or moved to another jurisdiction.
No first visit attempted
New information – no significant concern
- New information has been received regarding the safety, wellbeing and/or development of the child that indicates the child’s parents have made reasonable decisions and taken actions to protect the child from future harm and promote their safety, wellbeing and development. An area operations manager or director, Child Protection has authorised no first visit being attempted by Child Protection and the case to be closed.
New information – significant concern for wellbeing – referral
- New information has been received regarding the safety, wellbeing and/or development of the child that indicates the child’s parents have made reasonable decisions and taken actions to protect the child from future harm and promote their safety, wellbeing and development. An area operations manager or director, Child Protection has authorised no first visit being attempted by Child Protection.
- Refer directly to a community service as appropriate to the circumstances.
Unable to identify a location to visit
- There is insufficient information to determine a location for a first visit to be attempted. An area operations manager or director, Child Protection has authorised no first visit being attempted by Child Protection.
When considering a decision not to proceed with a FHV for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander child, the decision must be made in consultation with Aboriginal Child Specialist Advice and Support Services (ACSASS).
The decision must be conveyed to relevant third parties and where appropriate professional reporters.