Our Principles of Service

These principles are reflected in our Principles of Service and are our commitment to providing the best possible service to children and young people in out-of-home care, so that:

• They receive a standard of care that ensures and promotes their safety, welfare and well-being
  (S9, Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998);
• They participate in decisions that have an impact on their lives according to their age and level of understanding
  (S10 Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998);
• As far as possible, have their name, identity, language, cultural and religious ties preserved
  (S9, Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998); and
• Maintain close relationships with people significant to them, including their parents, siblings, extended family, peers, friends, and community, unless it is contrary to his or her best interests
  (S9, Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998);
• We take into account each child or young person's background, ethnicity, language, cultural practices and religious beliefs. Wundarra Services is responsive to the child or young person's needs and ensure their safety, welfare and wellbeing. This includes fostering their health, developmental needs, spirituality, self respect and dignity
  (S9, Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998);
• The service provided will be culturally appropriate and culturally sensitive. Every effort will be made to secure youth workers from the same cultural and linguistic background
  (S9, Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998);
• The selection of carers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people will be in accordance with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Principles of Self-determination, Participation, and Placement which require priority preference for placement to be with Indigenous members of the child or young person’s family, followed by other significant members of the ATSI Community
  (S13, Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998);
• Every child or young person needs a family and the benefits of family relationships. Wundarra is committed to promoting continuity with primary attachment figures in the child or young persons life. Every assistance will be provided to support, maintain, and assist in the maintenance of relationships with parents, siblings, other close relatives, friends, and communities
  (S9, Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998);
• The service to children and young people will be caring, personalised, courteous, timely, and accessible. The care environment will be small and home like;
• Services will involve the least possible interference, restriction, or intrusion into client’s lives
  (S9, Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998);
• Wundarra will maintain a strong ethic and commitment to client participation in all matters relating to their care and support. Clients will be consulted on all matters pertaining to their care and support, and treated fairly, with dignity and respect
  (S9, Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998);
• Families and community will be encouraged to participate in decision making. However, all decisions will be tested against the standard of whether they meet the best interests of the child or young person
  (S10, Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998);
• Wundarra supports the right for each child and young person to have their own privacy where possible;
• Wundarra will advocate on behalf of the child and young person in our care on all levels;
• Where action involves Community Services, court, change in legal status, or change in guardianship arrangements, the least intrusive and damaging alternative will be maintained and supported;
• Where Community Services has parental responsibility of children and young people, Wundarra, as part of its case plan, will provide assistance to them to achieve their full potential;
• Wundarra will promote the involvement of communities and significant people in the management and provision of its local service.