Case conferencing

Flexible activity

Case conferencing involves bringing together relevant practitioners (e.g. social worker, nurse, early childhood educator) to reflect on the family’s needs and to identify solutions to the issues they face. It can ensure relevant practitioners have all the information they need to support a family. It can also support home visitors or case managers to:

• coordinate the available support
• follow up on referrals that have been made
• prevent or reduce the duplication of services

How can it be implemented?

Case conferences are conducted in addition to home visits.  

They are conducted with other service providers who are or should be working with a family or client. This includes internal and external providers. If possible, and where appropriate, the client and family members or close supports may also be included.

In this activity, a case manager should take on the role of ‘team leader’. 

During a case conference the following activities can be undertaken:

• Interdisciplinary assessment of the family’s needs and progress
• Evaluate the impact of the services that have been delivered
• Develop a plan to continue to support the family
• Map roles and responsibilities of different practitioners
• Follow up on referrals

The frequency of case conferences will depend on the frequency of home visits. For example, if home visits are weekly, case conferences should weekly also.

Case conferences may also be necessary when a family experiences significant change or crisis.

What should I consider when working with Aboriginal people and communities?

• Case conferencing with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families should be undertaken by Aboriginal practitioners where possible, or Aboriginal practitioners should be engaged and valued to provide information about community, cultural protocols and world views.
• See the Cultural Safety and Wellbeing Evidence Review for more information.

Who is the target group?

This flexible activity has been implemented with families with new born infants.

What programs conduct this activity?

In the Home Visiting Program weekly case conferences are conducted between nurses, social workers and parent aides.  This aims to encourage discourse, reflection, and mutual information sharing. Interdisciplinary assessment, planning, and evaluation of program strategies takes place at these weekly meetings. 

Further resources