Children in the care of the Chief Executive Officer will often need to travel while in care. The travel can be for a range of reasons including attending routine appointments and day to day activities, Carer family day trips, interstate travel and international travel. This policy provides guidance for decision making, approval processes and consent for travel. It is important to understand that: The Chief Executive Officer has an obligation to ensure that travel is safe, appropriate and in the best interests of the child; The Chief Executive Officer has an obligation to know where a child is and who they are with. When the Delegated Officer approves travel for a child they must ensure that they have sufficient information to satisfy this obligation; Proposed travel for a child in care should be identified and endorsed in the child’s Care Plan as required; and The reason, details, approvals and consents for travel must be recorded in CCIS and the client hard copy file. Some examples of travel that may be undertaken by a child in care include: Contact visits; School trips and excursions; After school activities and sports; Travel for medical and other appointments; Transferring to a new placement; or Day trips with their Carer; Holiday travel with Carer. Considerations prior to travel Where the Chief Executive Officer has parental responsibility, the wishes of the family should be considered; Where the Chief Executive Officer has daily care and control, the parent’s consent is required; The wishes and of the child should be considered; The travel plan should be consistent with the child’s Care Plan including any goals of reunification or long term stability and contact arrangements; and It must be identified whether the travel poses any risks for the child and an assessment made on the basis of this risk whether to approve the travel. Travel arranged by Territory Families When Territory Families arranges travel for a child in care, the Case Manager will consult with the Team Leader and decide who should accompany the child, or if the child can travel unaccompanied. If a Territory Families staff member is to accompany the child, the Staff Travel Policy must be followed. Any travel for staff, the child, or their Carer booked through the Northern Territory Government system must be approved through TRIPS. Sufficient time must be allowed to plan, obtain approval and consent, and complete documentation. Carers providing transport in a vehicle
Territory Families Financial Contribution - Additional approvals are required for any financial contribution towards the child’s travel before expenses are incurred. Any additional documentation as determined by Executive Director to seek approval for financial support. Refer to Financial Delegations 5.4.1 TRIPS approval when travel is being booked by Territory Families through the NTG system. Any additional documentation as determined by Executive Director to seek approval for financial support. to Financial Delegations 5.4.2 TRIPS approval when travel is being booked by Territory Families through the NTG system. Any additional documentation as determined by Executive Director to seek approval for financial support. Refer to Financial Delegations 5.4.3 Memo to Chief Executive Officer seeking approval of travel and expenditure, endorsed by the Executive Director. Chief Executive Officer must approve international travel and expenditure. TRIPS approval when travel is booked by Territory Families through the NTG system. *Note: If a Carer has parental responsibility, the above consents are not required and the Carer can make travel plans without informing Territory Families, however financial support is not provided by Territory Families under these circumstances. Legislative Care and Protection of Children Act 2007 Motor Vehicles Act Australian Passports Act 2005 Australian Citizenship Act 2007 Standards Standards of Professional Practice Active from: Version Current Version Active from: Authorised by: Update: Review due: Maintenance: Policy TF.Policy@nt.gov.au