What if Centrelink is the notifier?
The Youth Protocol: An agreement concerning referral, assessment, case management and support for homeless and unsupported young people (Youth Protocol) outlines the operational guidelines and requirements for the staff of Centrelink and Child Safety, when a Centrelink employee is the notifier. Under this agreement, a Centrelink worker who has concerns about a child is required to: • contact Child Safety by telephone • follow up with a written referral within 48 hours, using the ‘Referral to State/Territory Welfare Authority’ form • assist the child to attend the local CSSC, if necessary. Under this agreement, Child Safety is required to: • advise the Centrelink worker of any action Child Safety intends to take and the rationale for the decision, within 48 hours of the child being referred to Child Safety • where a notification is recorded, within 48 hours of the investigation and assessment outcome decision: • advise Centrelink by telephone of the investigation and assessment outcome
