Can a non-government organisation contact a Child Wellbeing Unit to exchange information about a child or family?
Where a non-government organisation (NGO) has concerns about the safety, welfare or wellbeing of a child and they think one of these agencies is currently providing services to the child or family, the NGO can request information from a Child Wellbeing Unit (CWU) using Chapter 16A provisions. However, it is better to exchange information with workers who you know are directly involved with the child or family in the local area (e.g. community health nurse, school principal) rather than contacting a CWU. This is because information exchange should aim to improve local workers’ understanding of the case circumstances, including shared concerns, as well as to facilitate coordination of services and supports. CWUs will not generally refer families directly to services where no ongoing local case management is in place.
