Outcomes Framework for
Children in Out-of-Home
Care in Western Australia
2015-2016 Baseline Indicator Report
DECEMBER 2016
1
Abbreviations and Acronyms
CEO
Chief Executive Officer
CIP
Child Information Portal
NAPLAN
National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy
NAT
Needs Assessment Tool
OOHC
Out-of-home care
SDQ
Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
VET
Vocational Education and Training
Contents
Contents
1Introduction
1Background
1
Outcome Areas
3Indicators
3Methodology
4 Overview of Children in Care
5 Baseline Indicator Summary 2015-2016
8 Baseline Indicator Results 2015-2016
8 Outcome 1: Safe and Stable
8
Children feel safe in out-of-home care
8
Children feel settled in their care arrangement
9
Children in out-of-home care have as few placements as possible
9
Children are safe from further abuse and neglect in out-of-home care
10 Outcome 2: Healthy
10 Children’s initial health needs are assessed and identified on entry to care
10 Children’s ongoing physical and mental health needs are assessed, identified and supported
11 Children are supported to keep healthy
12 Outcome 3: Achieve
12 Children’s education needs are assessed, identified and supported
12 Children are engaged early in learning and development activities
13 Children achieve national literacy and numeracy standards
14 Outcome 4: Belong
14 Children’s cultural needs are identified and responded to
14 Children have a connection with family of origin to support their identity and belonging
16 Aboriginal children are living within their cultural community
17 Outcome 5: Included
17 Children are included in decision making processes about their lives
18 Children are active members of their community
19 Outcome 6: Future Life Outcomes
19 Children leave care with a plan for their future
19 Children leave care with continuing nurturing relationships
20 Children achieve educational milestones
20 Children do not enter juvenile detention while in out-of-home care
21 Appendix One: Outcomes Framework
23 Appendix Two: Indicators and Measures
Introduction
the outcomes achieved for children living in
OOHC. The Outcomes Framework provides
objective measurement of the performance
of the OOHC system and improvements as
a result of reform.
Background
The purpose of out-of-home care (OOHC) is
to provide children with stable and nurturing
care that enables them to heal from the
trauma they have suffered so they may
thrive.
Annual reporting of performance against the
indicators in the Outcomes Framework is
an important element for understanding the
progress of the reform plan. This is the first
report and will form the baseline indicator
report from which to track the impact of
the changes of the OOHC Reform Plan.
The outcomes report will be published on
an annual basis over five years with trends
highlighted.
Significant changes in the Western
Australian community and the OOHC
system have occurred in the last ten
years, such as population growth and the
increasingly complex behaviour of children
entering care. This places pressure on the
OOHC sector’s ability to consistently deliver
stable and healing care for these vulnerable
children.
Outcome Areas
The Department for Child Protection and
Family Support (the Department) is working
in partnership with the community services
sector to develop a suite of reforms for
the Western Australian OOHC system.
The reforms are published in Building a
Better Future: Out-of-Home Care Reform in
Western Australia (OOHC Reform Plan).
Six outcome areas comprise the Outcomes
Framework:
1. Safe and stable - Children live safely in a
stable care arrangement.
2. Healthy - Children have strong physical,
social and mental health.
The OOHC Reform Plan outlines significant
changes to:
3. Achieve - Children attend, participate
and achieve in quality education.
• the system focus – a system that is
driven by the needs of the child;
4. Belong - Children develop and retain a
deep knowledge and understanding of
their life-history and identity.
• the service system – a coherent,
flexible and sustainable service system
that delivers the outcomes desired;
5. Included - Children are included by the
systems that support them.
• the standards – a safe system, with
high-quality standards; and
6. Future life outcomes - Children leave
care equipped with the resources to live
productive lives.
• the legislation – a legal framework that
supports the best outcomes for children.
There are 19 outcomes across the six
outcome areas (see figure below). These
outcome areas align with the National
Standards for Out-of-Home Care.
As part of the OOHC Reform Plan the
Outcomes Framework for Children in
Out-of-Home Care in Western Australia
(Outcomes Framework) has been developed
to monitor, measure and regularly report on
1
Outcomes framework for children in out-of-home care in Western Australia
1 SAFE AND STABLE
4 BELONG
Children live safely in a stable care
arrangement
Children develop and retain a deep
knowledge and understanding of their
life-history and identity
Children feel safe in out-of-home care
Children’s cultural needs are identified and
responded to
Children feel settled in their care arrangement
Children in out-of-home care have as few
placements as possible
Children have a connection with family of
origin to support their identity and belonging
Children are safe from further abuse and
neglect in out-of-home care
Aboriginal children are living within their
cultural community
2 HEALTHY
5 INCLUDED
Children have strong physical, social and
mental health
Children are included by the systems that
support them
Children’s initial health needs are assessed
and identified on entry to care
Children are included in decision making
processes about their lives
Children’s ongoing physical and mental health
needs are assessed, identified and supported
Children are supported to keep healthy
Children are active members of their
community
3 ACHIEVE
6 FUTURE LIFE OUTCOMES
Children attend, participate and achieve
in quality education
Children leave care equipped with the
resources to live productive lives
Children’s education needs are assessed,
identified and supported
Children leave care with a plan for their future
Children leave care with continuing nurturing
relationships
Children are engaged early in learning and
development activities
Children achieve educational milestones
Children achieve national literacy and
numeracy standards
Children do not enter juvenile detention while
in out-of-home care
2
Indicators
Methodology
The Outcomes Framework comprises
25 indicators under the outcome areas
(Appendix One). Further indicators can be
considered as data options, availability and
quality improves.
The Outcomes Framework captures
information for children and young people
who have had a period of OOHC care
during the reporting period. The period
of OOHC includes both Department care
arrangements and community sector
organisation care arrangements.
The indicators use data from:
• The Viewpoint survey (to promote
the child’s voice in the Outcomes
Framework).
Eligible children and young people are
included in the population group for the
Outcomes Framework if they meet at least
one of the following criteria:
• The Department’s ASSIST client
database.
• Entered OOHC during the reporting
period; or
• Other government agency data available
to the Department.
• Remained in OOHC for the entire
reporting period; or
Proxy indicators have been used where
direct measurement of the indicator is not
currently possible. The Department will
continue to seek ways to improve some of
the proxy indicators over time. In particular,
there are some key outcome areas that are
not possible to measure at present. The
following topics will be prioritised in the
future:
• Were in OOHC at a specific point in time.
Further information on the measure,
population group and data source for each
indicator of the Outcomes Framework are
provided in Appendix Two.
• Indicators relating to Infant Mental Health
(will contribute to outcome 2 – Healthy).
• Indicators relating to sibling placements
and improved measures around family
contact (will contribute to outcome 4 –
Belong).
• Further measures to support outcome 5
(Included).
3
Overview of Children in Care
As at 30 June 2016, there were 4,658 children in the care of the Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of the Department.
Children in care by Aboriginality and age
Less than
1 year
1 to 4 yrs
5 to 9 yrs
10 to 14 yrs
73
15 years
and older
105
261
346
455
576
700
627
Non-Aboriginal
Aboriginal
677
838
Children in care by Aboriginality and length of time in care
Less than 30 days
42
51
30 days to less than 6 months
142
203
6 months to less than 1 year
180
176
1 year to less than 2 years
318
353
2 years to less than 5 years
806
725
5 or more years
771
891
4
Baseline Indicator Summary 2015-2016
Outcome 1: Safe and Stable - Children live safely in
a stable care arrangement
Outcome Indicators
Reporting
Period
Baseline
Data
1.1
Proportion of children who report that they feel safe where they
live
2015-16
93.7%
1.2
Proportion of children who report that they feel settled where
they live
2015-16
89.6%
1.3
The average number of placements per child in the CEO’s care
per year
2015-16
1.6
1.4
Proportion of children who were the subject of child protection
substantiation and the person believed responsible was living
in the household providing out-of-home care
2015-16
0.09%
Outcome 2: Healthy - Children have strong physical,
social and mental health
Outcome Indicators
2.1
Proportion of children who had an initial medical examination
when entering out-of-home care
2.2
Proportion of children with a completed care plan (provided as
an interim proxy)
Reporting
Period
Baseline
Data
2015
53.1%
2015-16
83.2%
2015-16
83.4%
2015-16
76.9%
Proportion of children who have had an annual health check of
their physical development
2.3
Proportion of children aged four and older with a completed
care plan (provided as an interim proxy)
Proportion of children aged four and older who have had an
annual health check of their psychosocial and mental health
needs
2.4
Proportion of children who report that they get enough help
with keeping healthy
5
Outcome 3: Achieve - Children attend, participate
and achieve in quality education
Outcome Indicators
Reporting
Period
Baseline
Data
3.1
Proportion of children at compulsory school age who have a
current documented educational plan
2015
67.1%
3.2
Proportion of four year old children who participate in early
childhood education and child care services
2015
97.1%
3.3
Proportion of children at compulsory school age who are
regularly attending an education program
2015
67.1%
3.4
Proportion of children achieving or exceeding national NAPLAN
literacy and numeracy benchmarks
2015
66.1%
Reporting
Period
Baseline
Data
Outcome 4: Belong - Children develop and retain
a deep knowledge and understanding of their
life-history and identity
Outcome Indicators
4.1
Proportion of Aboriginal children who have a cultural support
plan
2015-16
80.2%
4.2
Proportion of children who are placed in family care
2015-16
43%
4.3
Proportion of children who report feeling close to family
members they don’t live with
2015-16
61.9%
4.4
Proportion of children who have an ongoing relationship with
their parents
Not Available
4.5
Proportion of children who have an ongoing relationship with
their siblings
Not Available
4.6
Proportion of Aboriginal children placed in accordance with the
first three principles of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Child Placement Principle hierarchy
6
2015-16
66%
Outcome 5: Included - Children are included by the
systems that support them
Outcome Indicators
Reporting
Period
Baseline
Data
5.1
Proportion of eligible children who have input into their care
arrangements via Viewpoint
2015-16
39.1%
5.2
Proportion of children who report that they feel able to
participate in decisions about where they live, their school and
learning and their future
2015-16
67%
5.3
Proportion of children who report that they are encouraged
to do things with other people like sport, hobbies or cultural
activities
2015-16
83.3%
Outcome 6: Future Life Outcomes - Children leave care
equipped with the resources to live productive lives
Outcome Indicators
Reporting
Period
Baseline
Data
6.1
Proportion of young people aged 15 years and over who have a
leaving care plan
2015-16
77.3%
6.2
Proportion of young people aged 15 years and over who are
able to nominate at least one significant adult who cares about
them and who they believe they will be able to depend upon
throughout their young adulthood
2015-16
91.7%
6.3
Proportion of young people who complete year 12 or
equivalent VET
6.4
Proportion of children who have entered juvenile detention
7
Not Available
2015-16
2.5%
Baseline Indicator Results 2015-2016
Outcome 1: Safe and Stable
Children live safely in a stable care arrangement
Children and young people living in out-of-home care are to be provided with a safe, loving
and stable environment that nurtures and supports these vulnerable children. This level of
support is vital to ensure strong emotional development and better long term outcomes.
Research and practice knowledge tells us that children who experience stability, supportive
care and enduring relationships while in out-of-home care are more likely to achieve
improved life outcomes and become functioning and contributing adults in the Western
Australian community.
% feel safe
Children feel safe in out-ofhome care
1.1 Proportion of children who report
that they feel safe where they live.
93.7
93.8
93.5
All children
Aboriginal
children
Non-Aboriginal
children
A key function of the Department is to
implement arrangements to safeguard
and/or promote the wellbeing of children.
For children in care this involves enabling
them to live in safe, stable and nurturing
environments.
Children feel settled in their
care arrangement
% feel settled
1.2 Proportion of children who report
that they feel settled where they live.
Whenever possible, reunification of a child
in care with either one or both of their
parents must be the Department’s primary
goal. For children at this stage, feeling
settled in out-of-home care may be difficult
to achieve. However, it is important for the
child to feel settled in as many aspects of
their life as possible.
8
89.6
88.9
90.1
All children
Aboriginal
children
Non-Aboriginal
children
Children in out-of-home care
have as few placements as
possible
1.3 The average number of placements
per child in the CEO’s care per year.
Average number of
placements
For children in care, stability in their
placement is an important indicator of
quality care and contributes to better
life opportunities. Stable placements are
critical to achieving secure attachments,
and improved life, health and educational
outcomes.
Continued reduction in the number of
placements for children will be sought over
time.
1.6
1.69
1.5
All children
Aboriginal
children
Non-Aboriginal
children
Children are safe from further
abuse and neglect in out-ofhome care
1.4 Proportion of children who
were the subject of child protection
substantiation and the person believed
responsible was living in the household
providing out-of-home care.
Keeping children safe in out-of-home
care is a primary aim of the Department.
Allegations of harm to a child in out-ofhome care by an approved carer are
investigated by the Duty of Care Unit with
relevant stakeholders; including district
offices, community sector organisations,
childFIRST and the Western Australia
Police.
9
In 2015-16, five of the
5,383 children in care had
an allegation of harm by a
caregiver substantiated.
0.09%
Four of the 2,791
Aboriginal
children in care
0.14%
One of the 2,592 nonAboriginal children in care
0.04%
Outcome 2: Healthy
Children have strong physical, social and mental health
Children and young people entering out-of-home care are to be provided with the
opportunity for healthy growth and development. Children are to have an initial health
assessment and be provided with ongoing assistance to ensure that they remain
physically, socially and mentally strong. These assessments provide the Department with
information and advice to ensure that specialised services are engaged to address health
challenges, and provide every opportunity for the child to achieve optimum health.
Children’s initial health needs
are assessed and identified on
entry to care
% intial medical exam
2.1 Proportion of children who had
an initial medical examination when
entering out-of-home care.
Children entering out-of-home care may
have experienced abuse or trauma that
could impact on their health. An initial
medical assessment helps to identify any
problems or concerns that the child may
have early in life, so that they don’t have a
major impact later in the child’s life.
53.1
All children
Children’s ongoing physical
and mental health needs
are assessed, identified and
supported
56.1
Aboriginal
children
50.2
Non-Aboriginal
children
Limitations in data accuracy prevent
reporting for this indicator in 2015-16.
Work has commenced to address issues
with data recording. The Department
implemented the Child Information Portal
(CIP) into its client database in April 2016.
The CIP streamlines the recording of known
information about the safety and care needs
of children in the CEO’s care, including the
comprehensive health and development
assessment. Due to the introduction of the
CIP, the baseline figure for this indicator will
be reported on in 2016-17. The proportion
of children with a completed care plan is
provided as an interim proxy in 2015-16.
2.2 Proportion of children who have had
an annual health check of their physical
development.
A comprehensive health and development
assessment builds on the initial medical
examination completed upon entering care
and assists in developing and implementing
the health dimension of each child’s care
plan.
10
2.3 Proportion of children aged four and
older who have had an annual health
check of their psychosocial and mental
health needs.
Limitations in data accuracy prevent
reporting for this indicator in 2015-16.
Work has commenced to address issues
with data recording. The Department
implemented the Child Information Portal
(CIP) into its client database in April 2016.
The CIP streamlines the recording of known
information about the safety and care needs
of children in the CEO’s care, including the
SDQ. Due to the introduction of the CIP,
the baseline figure for this indicator will be
reported on in 2016-17. The proportion
of children with a completed care plan is
provided as an interim proxy in 2015-16.
Children in out-of-home care may need
additional supports to cope with the
changes occurring in their lives. The
Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
(SDQ) measures children’s social and
emotional wellbeing and is an important
tool for assessing children’s psychosocial needs and targeting interventions to
address them.
Children are supported to keep
healthy
% help keeping healthy
2.4 Proportion of children who report
that they get enough help with keeping
healthy.
It is important that children and young
people have the necessary skills and
knowledge to look after their health. An
important aspect of keeping healthy is
having the right supports to assist when
required.
11
76.9
78.6
All children
Aboriginal
children
76.1
Non-Aboriginal
children
Outcome 3: Achieve
Children attend, participate and achieve in quality
education
Children and young people in out-of-home care should be afforded the same opportunities
as other children to experience early learning and development activities and ongoing
education. Early childhood education and child care services provide the child with
valuable educational knowledge before attending formal schooling. These experiences
assist them to reach their full potential and maximise life outcomes with a view to
becoming a valued member of society with future career opportunities.
Children’s education needs
are assessed, identified and
supported
% educational plan
3.1 Proportion of children at
compulsory school age who have a
current documented educational plan.
Education makes a vital contribution to
the development and wellbeing of children
and young people. To help promote the
educational participation and performance
of children in care, protocols have been
agreed to between the Department and
a number of other agencies to outline
responsibilities in an educational plan.
67.1
70.5
All children
Aboriginal
children
Children are engaged early
in learning and development
activities
63.3
Non-Aboriginal
children
% Pre-School program
3.2 Proportion of four year old children
who participate in early childhood
education and child care services.
97.1
97.9
95.9
All children
Aboriginal
children
Non-Aboriginal
children
Although not compulsory in Western
Australia, attending kindergarten or a child
care service provides children with the best
opportunity for early learning experiences.
These services help children to learn early
numeracy, literacy and social skills.
This result is high and future reports would
expect to see this result maintained.
12
3.3 Proportion of children at
compulsory school age who are
regularly attending an education
program1.
% regular attendance
67.1
Given their background experiences some
children in care can experience challenges
in education, particularly those children that
require significant educational supports and
adjustments to meet their needs. Regular
attendance helps to maximise academic
achievement.
All children
The results indicate that Aboriginal children
in care are attending school at a 22 per
cent higher rate than all Aboriginal children
in Western Australia2.
76.1
58.8
Aboriginal
children
Non-Aboriginal
children
Children achieve national
literacy and numeracy
standards
% met NAPLAN
benchmarks
3.4 Proportion of children achieving or
exceeding national minimum NAPLAN
literacy and numeracy standards.
The National Assessment Program –
Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an
annual national assessment for all students
in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Achieving the
national minimum standard indicates that
the student demonstrated the basic literacy
and numeracy skills needed to participate
fully in that year level3.
76
66.1
All children
55.6
Aboriginal
children
Non-Aboriginal
children
Regularly attending an education program is defined as 90 per cent or above attendance rate during the first
semester of 2015 at a public school in Western Australia
2
Department of Education Annual Report 2015-16
www.education.wa.edu.au/home/detcms/navigation/about-us/publications/annual-reports/
3
Australia Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority: 2016 information for parents
www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/naplan/pdf_doc/2016-naplan-info-for-parents.pdf
1
13
Outcome 4: Belong
Children develop and retain a deep knowledge and
understanding of their life-history and identity
Children and young people in out-of-home care are placed with family or community when
possible; however this is not always able to occur. In these instances it is important that
children are supported to maintain and develop identity and a sense of belonging through
ongoing connection to their family and culture.
Children’s cultural needs are
identified and responded to
% Aboriginal
Cultural plan
4.1 Proportion of Aboriginal children
who have a cultural support plan.
No
19.8
The cultural plan for Aboriginal children
should address the need to preserve and
enhance the child’s culture and connection
to country. The plan should include full
details of planning for the child’s current
and future cultural needs, including
considerations such as cultural practices or
rites of passage.
Yes
80.2
Children have a connection
with family of origin to support
their identity and belonging
% placed in family care
4.2 Proportion of children who are
placed in family care.
When making a placement arrangement
for a child, the best interests of the child is
the paramount consideration. As far as is
practical, placement with a member of the
child’s family must be the priority. Family
care helps children to maintain connections
with their families and culture.
14
43
46.4
All children
Aboriginal
children
39.2
Non-Aboriginal
children
4.3 Proportion of children who report
feeling close to family members they
don’t live with.
% close to family
they don’t live with
Children in care need to remain connected
with their families to form a positive sense
of identity and maintain cultural contacts.
Most children in care will benefit in the long
term from some continuing contact with
their parents, brothers and sisters and other
family members where it is safe.
4.4 Proportion of children who have an
ongoing relationship with their parents.
61.9
59.9
All children
Aboriginal
children
63.4
Non-Aboriginal
children
Limitations in data availability prevent
reporting for this indicator in 2015-16. A
project is currently underway to embed
a Needs Assessment Tool (NAT) into the
Department’s ASSIST client database. The
NAT will provide more consistency in the
identification of children’s needs, including
contact with parents, and will enable
reporting of this indicator in 2016-17.
The child’s parents will always be significant
in their lives. Where possible it is important
for the child to have regular contact with
their parents. This will ensure a continuing
relationship with family, and a connection to
their identity and history.
4.5 Proportion of children who have an
ongoing relationship with their siblings.
Limitations in data availability prevent
reporting for this indicator in 2015-16. A
project is currently underway to embed
a Needs Assessment Tool (NAT) into the
Department’s ASSIST client database. The
NAT will provide more consistency in the
identification of children’s needs, including
contact with siblings, and will enable
reporting of this indicator in 2016-17.
Facilitating regular contact for children
in care with their siblings is critical to
maintaining their relationships and to
minimise the trauma of separation. Children
in care who have siblings in separate
placements or who have remained with
family should have opportunities to spend
quality time together to maintain or rebuild
a sense of belonging.
15
Aboriginal children are living
within their cultural community
% Aboriginal Child
Placement Principle
4.6 Proportion of Aboriginal children
placed in accordance with the first
three principles of the Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Child Placement
Principle hierarchy.
No
34
Yes
66
It is important for Aboriginal children who
come into care to maintain a connection
with family and culture. This indicator shows
the proportion of Aboriginal children in outof-home care that met the first three of the
four placement options under the Aboriginal
child placement principle. These include
placements with the child’s extended family,
members of their community or other
Aboriginal people or services.
The result for Western Australia is similar to
the national average figure4.
4
National Standards for out-of-home care: Standard 3.1. www.aihw.gov.au/nfpac/out-of-home-care/data/
16
Outcome 5: Included
Children are included by the systems that support them
Children and young people in out-of-home care are to be included in decision making
processes that impact on their lives and potential future outcomes. These decisions
are inclusive of education and learning; as well as participating in activities within their
community and culture. Determining the long term future of the child should commence
as soon as the child is taken into care, with the child being an integral part of the
planning. Children should be provided with information about their care and be heard
when voicing concerns.
Children are included in
decision making processes
about their lives
5.1 Proportion of eligible children who
have input into their care arrangements
via Viewpoint.
% commenced Viewpoint
Viewpoint is an interactive software
program that promotes participation
by children in the development of their
personal care plans and in the development
of services to meet the needs of all children
in care. Viewpoint offers a series of age
related questions for children in care aged
five to 17 years old about their experiences,
wishes and worries.
39.1
All children
5.2 Proportion of children who report
that they feel able to participate in
decisions about where they live, their
school and learning and their future.
44.8
33.9
Aboriginal
children
Non-Aboriginal
children
% participate in
decisions
It is important for children in care to have a
voice and to feel like they are being heard
and that their opinion matters. All children
in care should be encouraged to participate
in the care planning process so that their
views and experiences form part of the
discussion.
67
All children
17
63.1
Aboriginal
children
70.1
Non-Aboriginal
children
Children are active members of
their community
% encouraged to
participate in activities
5.3 Proportion of children who report
that they are encouraged to do things
with other people like sport, hobbies or
cultural activities.
Children develop interests and activities
as they grow. Involvement with sport and
hobbies has been shown to help children
develop a positive identity and build
resilience, as well as combat adversity.
Participation in cultural activities helps the
child to remain connected to their origins.
18
83.3
85.4
All children
Aboriginal
children
81.6
Non-Aboriginal
children
Outcome 6: Future Life Outcomes
Children leave care equipped with the resources to live
productive lives
Children and young people in out-of-home care are to be provided with the opportunity to
plan for their future after they leave care. The quality of preparation for leaving care may
profoundly affect the rest of a young person’s life. Young people leaving care and moving
to independent living face barriers in accessing housing, education and employment, and
also experience other developmental and transitional challenges. It is important that young
people are adequately informed and prepared for the move from care to independence
and have access to aftercare support. Young people undertaking the transition from care
do so from a range of backgrounds and circumstances and with varying levels of support
available to them from family and friends.
Children leave care with a plan
for their future
% leaving care plan
6.1 Proportion of young people aged 15
years and over who have a leaving care
plan.
Early and collaborative planning helps
young people who leave care to make
a successful transition from care to
independence. The completion of a care
plan incorporates the views of the young
person preparing to leave care and embark
on their own life journey.
77.3
76.4
All children
Aboriginal
children
77.9
Non-Aboriginal
children
Children leave care with
continuing nurturing
relationships
% nominate an adult
6.2 Proportion of young people aged
15 years and over who are able to
nominate at least one significant adult
who cares about them and who they
believe they will be able to depend
upon throughout their young adulthood.
91.7
95.2
90.1
Preparation for leaving care includes
planning goals for the future, and identifying
the supports required to achieve those
goals. It is important that young people
have someone to support them with this
important transition.
All children
This is an excellent result, as strong
relationships with key adults are known to
support resilience in young people.
19
Aboriginal
children
Non-Aboriginal
children
Children achieve educational
milestones
Limitations in data quality prevent reporting
for this indicator in 2015-16. Reforms
to the Western Australian Certificate of
Education take effect for Year 12 students
in 20166. The Australian Government is
also undertaking a period of reform within
the VET system, with a number of changes
implemented on 1 January 20167. To
ensure comparative data in future years
this indicator will not be reported on in this
baseline report.
6.3 Proportion of young people who
complete year 12 or equivalent VET.
Education provides a critical pathway to
employment and meaningful participation
in community life. Completing year 12
or engaging in a Vocational Education
and Training (VET) program maximises
employment opportunities for young
people. VET is designed to deliver
workplace-specific skills and knowledge
across a wide range of careers and
industries, including trade and office work,
retail, hospitality and technology5.
Children do not enter juvenile
detention while in out-of-home
care
In 2015-16, 2.5 per cent of all children
6.4 Proportion of children who have
entered juvenile detention.
in care entered juvenile detention
Children and young people who enter
detention have their lives significantly
impacted. The Department aims to work
with young people and their families
and communities to reduce offending
behaviours.
4.2% of Aboriginal
0.9% of Non-Aboriginal
children in care
children in care
Australian Government - Vocational Education and Training
www.australia.gov.au/information-and-services/education-and-training/vocational-education-and-training
6
School Curriculum and Standards Authority – Achieving a WACE
senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/6224/Achieving-a-WACE-from-2016.pdf
7
Department of Education and Training – Vocational Education and Training Reform
www.education.gov.au/vocational-education-and-training-reform
5
20
Appendix One: Outcomes Framework
OUTCOMES FRAMEWORK FOR CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA
DESCRIPTIONS & INDICATOR
OUTCOME
PURPOSE: To provide objective measures of the performance of the out-of-home care system and to monitor,
measure and regularly report on the outcomes achieved for children living in out-of-home care.
1 SAFE AND STABLE
2 HEALTHY
3 ACHIEVE
Children live safely in a stable care
arrangement
Children have strong physical,
social and mental health
Children attend, participate and
achieve in quality education
LINK TO NATIONAL STANDARD 1
LINK TO NATIONAL STANDARD 5
LINK TO NATIONAL STANDARD 4 & 6
Children feel safe in out of home
care
Children’s initial health needs are
assessed and identified on entry to
care
Children’s education needs are
assessed, identified and supported
1.1 Proportion of children who report
that they feel safe where they live.
2.1 Proportion of children who had
an initial medical examination when
entering out-of-home care.
3.1 Proportion of children at
compulsory school age who have a
current documented educational plan.
Children feel settled in their care
arrangement
Children’s ongoing physical and
mental health needs are assessed,
identified and supported
Children are engaged early in
learning and development activities
1.2 Proportion of children who report
that they feel settled where they live.
2.2 Proportion of children who have
had an annual health check of their
physical development.
3.2 Proportion of four year old children
who participate in early childhood
education and child care services.
2.3 Proportion of children aged four
and older who have had an annual
health check of their psychosocial and
mental health needs.
3.3 Proportion of children at
compulsory school age who are
regularly attending an education
program.
Children in out-of-home care have
as few placements as possible
Children are supported to keep
healthy
Children achieve national literacy
and numeracy standards
1.3 The average number of placements
per child in the CEO’s care per year.
2.4 Proportion of children who report
that they get enough help with keeping
healthy.
3.4 Proportion of children achieving or
exceeding national NAPLAN literacy
and numeracy benchmarks.
Children are safe from further
abuse and neglect in out-of-home
care
1.4 Proportion of children who
were the subject of child protection
substantiation and the person believed
responsible was living in the household
providing out-of-home care.
21
OUTCOME
4 BELONG
5 INCLUDED
6 FUTURE LIFE OUTCOMES
Children develop and retain a deep
knowledge and understanding of
their life-history and identity
Children are included by the
systems that support them
Children leave care equipped with the
resources to live productive lives
LINK TO NATIONAL STANDARD 3, 9 & 10
LINK TO NATIONAL STANDARD 2 & 8
LINK TO NATIONAL STANDARD 7, 11 & 13
Children’s cultural needs are
identified and responded to
Children are included in decision
making processes about their lives
Children leave care with a plan for
their future
4.1 Proportion of Aboriginal children
who have a cultural support plan.
5.1 Proportion of eligible children who
have input into their care arrangements
via Viewpoint.
6.1 Proportion of young people aged 15
years and over who have a leaving care
plan.
DESCRIPTIONS & INDICATOR
5.2 Proportion of children who report
that they feel able to participate in
decisions about where they live, their
school and learning and their future.
Children have a connection with
family of origin to support their
identity and belonging
Children are active members of their
community
Children leave care with continuing
nurturing relationships
4.2 Proportion of children who are
placed in family care.
5.3 Proportion of children who report
that they are encouraged to do things
with other people like sport, hobbies or
cultural activities.
6.2 Proportion of young people aged 15
years and over who are able to nominate
at least one significant adult who cares
about them and who they believe they
will be able to depend upon throughout
their young adulthood.
4.3 Proportion of children who report
feeling close to family members they
don’t live with.
4.4 Proportion of children who have an
ongoing relationship with their parents.
4.5 Proportion of children who have an
ongoing relationship with their siblings.
Aboriginal children are living within
their cultural community
Children achieve educational
milestones
4.6 Proportion of Aboriginal children
placed in accordance with the first three
principles of the Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Child Placement Principle
hierarchy.
6.3 Proportion of young people who
complete year 12 or equivalent VET.
Children do not enter juvenile
detention while in out-of-home care
6.4 Proportion of children who have
entered juvenile detention.
22
Appendix Two: Indicators and Measures
Outcome 1: Children live safely in a stable care arrangement
Outcome Indicator
Measure
Data
Source
1.1
Proportion of children
who report that they
feel safe where they
live.
Number of children who answered ’yes’ or ‘most of the
time’ to the 5-7 year old Viewpoint question ‘Q25 - Do
you feel safe where you live’ OR answer ’yes completely’
or ‘just about’ to the 8-17 year old Viewpoint question
‘Q24: Do you feel safe where you live now’, divided by the
number of children who answered the questions in the
reporting period, expressed as a percentage.
5-7 year old
and 8-17
year old
Viewpoint
survey 201516
1.2
Proportion of children
who report that they
feel settled where they
live.
Number of children who answered ’yes’ in response to
the 5-7 year old Viewpoint question ‘Q3 - Do you feel
OK where you live now’ OR answer ‘just about’ or ‘yes
completely’ to the 8-17 year old Viewpoint question ’Q12:
Do you feel settled where you live now’, divided by the
number of children who answered the questions in the
reporting period, expressed as a percentage.
5-7 year old
and 8-17
year old
Viewpoint
survey 201516
1.3
The average number of
placements per child
in the CEO’s care per
year.
Number of primary living placements within the reporting
period for children who have been in care for the entire
reporting period, divided by the number of children in care
for the entire reporting period, expressed as a percentage.
ASSIST
database
2015-16
1.4
Proportion of children
who were the subject
of child protection
substantiation and
the person believed
responsible was living
in the household
providing out-of-homecare.
Number of children in care in the reporting period
recorded as having a child protection substantiation
during the reporting period and the person believed
responsible was the caregiver, divided by the number of
children in care in the reporting period, expressed as a
percentage.
ASSIST
database
2015-16
23
Outcome 2: Children have strong physical, social and mental health
Outcome Indicator
Measure
Data
Source
2.1
Proportion of children
who had an initial
medical examination
when entering out-ofhome care.
Number of distinct children who entered care for at least
six months in the reporting period and had an initial
medical examination OR a health and development
assessment within six months of entering care, divided
by the number of distinct children who entered care for at
least six months in the reporting period, expressed as a
percentage.
ASSIST
database
2015
2.2
Proportion of children
who have had an
annual health check
of their physical
development.
Limitations in data accuracy prevent reporting for this
indicator in 2015-16.
ASSIST
database
2015-16
Proportion of children
aged four and older
who have had an
annual health check of
their psychosocial and
mental health needs.
Limitations in data accuracy prevent reporting for this
indicator in 2015-16.
Proportion of children
who report that they
get enough help with
keeping healthy.
Number of children who answered ‘yes as much as I
need’ to the 8-17 year old Viewpoint question ‘Q72: Do
you get enough help keeping healthy‘, divided by the
number of children who answered the question in the
reporting period, expressed as a percentage.
2.3
2.4
Care planning data is provided as a proxy for this
reporting period.
Care planning data is provided as a proxy for this
reporting period.
24
ASSIST
database
2015-16
8-17 year old
Viewpoint
survey 201516
Outcome 3: Children attend, participate and achieve in quality
education
Outcome Indicator
Measure
Data
Source
3.1
Proportion of children
at compulsory school
age who have a
current documented
educational plan.
Number of children at compulsory school age who have
been in care for the entire reporting period and had a
documented educational plan in the reporting period,
divided by the number of children at compulsory school
age who have been in care for the entire reporting period,
expressed as a percentage.
ASSIST
database
2015
3.2
Proportion of four
year old children who
participate in early
childhood education
and child care services.
Number of children aged four on the first of July of the
reporting period who have been in care for the entire
reporting period and were recorded as participating in
early childhood education OR a child care service, divided
by the number of children aged four on the first of July of
the reporting period who have been in care for the entire
reporting period, expressed as a percentage.
Department
of Education
2015, and
ASSIST
database
2015
3.3
Proportion of children
at compulsory school
age who are regularly
attending an education
program.
Number of children at compulsory school age who have
been in care for the entire reporting period and are
regularly attending (90 per cent attendance) an education
program, divided by the number of children at compulsory
school age who have been in care for the entire reporting
period, expressed as a percentage.
Department
of Education
2015
3.4
Proportion of children
achieving or exceeding
national NAPLAN
literacy and numeracy
benchmarks.
Number of children in care in grade 3, 5, 7 and 9 who
achieved the National Minimum Standard in the reading
AND numeracy NAPLAN tests, divided by the number
of children in care who participated in the reading AND
numeracy NAPLAN tests, expressed as a percentage.
Department
of Education
2015
25
Outcome 4: Children develop and retain a deep knowledge and
understanding of their life history and identity
Outcome Indicator
Measure
Data
Source
4.1
Proportion of Aboriginal
children who have a
cultural support plan.
Number of Aboriginal children who have been in care for
the entire reporting period and have a recorded cultural
plan, divided by the number of Aboriginal children in care
for the entire reporting period, expressed as a percentage.
ASSIST
database
2015-16
4.2
Proportion of children
who are placed in
family care.
Number of children in care placed with a family carer on
the 30th of June of the reporting period, divided by the
number of children in care on the 30th of June of the
reporting period, expressed as a percentage.
ASSIST
database
2015-16
4.3
Proportion of children
who report feeling
close to family
members they don’t
live with.
Number of children who answered ‘fairly close’ or ‘very
close’ to the 8-17 year old Viewpoint question ‘Q35: how
close do you feel to family members who you don’t live
with’, divided by the number of children who answered
the question in the reporting period, expressed as a
percentage.
8-17 year old
Viewpoint
survey 201516
4.4
Proportion of children
who have an ongoing
relationship with their
parents.
Limitations in data availability prevent reporting for this
indicator in 2015-16.
Not available
4.5
Proportion of children
who have an ongoing
relationship with their
siblings.
Limitations in data availability prevent reporting for this
indicator in 2015-16.
Not Available
4.6
Proportion of Aboriginal
children placed in
accordance with the
first three principles
of the Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander
Child Placement
Principle hierarchy.
Number of Aboriginal children in care on the 30th of June
of the reporting period who are placed with extended
family, members of their community or other Aboriginal
people or services, divided by the number of Aboriginal
children in care on the 30th of June of the reporting
period, expressed as a percentage.
ASSIST
database
2015-16
26
Outcome 5: Children are included by the systems that support them
Outcome Indicator
Measure
Data
Source
5.1
Proportion of eligible
children who have
input into their care
arrangements via
Viewpoint.
Number of children who commenced a Viewpoint survey
in the reporting period, divided by the number of children
in care aged five years and over on the 30th of June of
the reporting period, expressed as a percentage.
5-7 year old
and 8-17
year old
Viewpoint
survey
2015-16,
and ASSIST
database
2015-16
5.2
Proportion of children
who report that they
feel able to participate
in decisions about
where they live, their
school and learning
and their future.
Number of children who answered ‘most of the time’ or
‘all of the time’ to the 8-17 year old Viewpoint question
‘Q59: Do you get to have a say in what happens to you
such as where you live, your school and learning and your
future’, divided by the number of children who answered
the question in the reporting period, expressed as a
percentage.
8-17 year old
Viewpoint
survey 201516
5.3
Proportion of children
who report that they
are encouraged to
do things with other
people like sport,
hobbies or cultural
activities.
Number of children who answered ‘most of the time’ or
‘all of the time’ to the 8-17 year old Viewpoint question
‘Q19: Does <foster carer or key worker name> or
someone else encourage you to do things with other
people like sport, hobbies or cultural activities’, divided
by the number of children who answered the question
in the reporting period (‘I am not interested in these
things’ is not included in the proportion), expressed as a
percentage.
8-17 year old
Viewpoint
survey 201516
27
Outcome 6: Children leave care equipped with the resources to live
productive lives
Outcome Indicator
Measure
Data
Source
6.1
Proportion of young
people aged 15 years
and over who have a
leaving care plan.
Number of children in care aged 15 years and over on
the first of July of the reporting period who have been in
care for the entire reporting period and have a care plan
incorporating aspects of planning to leave care, divided
by the number of children in care aged 15 years and over
on the first of July of the reporting period who have been
in care for the entire reporting period, expressed as a
percentage.
ASSIST
database
2015-16
6.2
Proportion of young
people aged 15 years
or over who are able to
nominate at least one
significant adult who
cares about them and
who they believe they
will be able to depend
upon throughout their
young adulthood.
Number of children aged 15 years and over who
answered ‘yes’ to the 8-17 year old Viewpoint question
‘Q41: Do you have an adult who cares about what
happens to you now and into the future’, divided by the
number of children aged 15 years and over who answered
the question in the reporting period, expressed as a
percentage.
8-17 year old
Viewpoint
survey 201516
6.3
Proportion of young
people who complete
year 12 or equivalent
VET.
Limitations in data quality prevent reporting for this
indicator in 2015-16.
Not available
6.4
Proportion of children
who have entered
juvenile detention.
Number of distinct children aged 10 years and over on
the first of July of the reporting period who have been in
care for the entire reporting period and have had a period
of detention recorded as a living arrangement within the
reporting period, divided by the number of children aged
10 years and over on the first of July of the reporting
period who have been in care for the entire reporting
period, expressed as a percentage.
ASSIST
database
2015-16
28
Department for Child Protection and Family Support
189 Royal Street
East Perth WA 6004
Tel: 08 9222 2555
Country free call: 1800 622 258
www.childprotection.wa.gov.au
29