Elements and Performance Criteria

RANGE STATEMENT

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.


Factors affecting current parenting practices and possible family of origin issues may include:
Socioeconomic influences
Mental health concerns of a family member
Drug and alcohol issues
Disability of a family member
Isolation from previously established networks
Intergenerational and family of origin issues
Specific cultural factors, isolation and alienation
Stress disorders
History or presence of domestic and family violence and abuse
Ineffective communication and relationship formation


Needs of the family may include:
Information on issues affecting decision-making about parenting arrangements
Referral to other support services
Advocacy services
Access to counselling or relationship education services
Access to or facilitated referral to Children's Contact Services


Express needs of the child and/or young person may include but is not limited to:
Type, frequency and length of contact with parents
Preference for recreational and social activities
Education and peer relations
Contact and relationship with significant others and/or extended family
Place of residence
Preferred communications styles with parents and significant others


Child focused practice includes:
Engaging with the child and or young person using appropriate strategies to ensure their primary needs and concerns are identified and presented for inclusion in the development of parenting arrangements.


Issues that may arise as a result of reviewed parenting arrangements may include:
Need to consult and notify other individuals or agencies of changes to the arrangements in relation to legal or other obligations
Further screening for domestic and family violence or abuse
Review of any relevant court orders
Referral to other agencies may be required e.g. family relationship counselling

EVIDENCE GUIDE

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this unit of competency:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Observation of workplace performance is preferred for assessment of this unit. However, where assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Assessment must demonstrate understanding of the regulations of the Family Law Act in the relation to the development of shared parenting arrangements and the best interests of the child


Access and equity considerations:
All workers in community services should be aware of access, equity and human rights issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities


Context of and specific resources for assessment:
In cases where the learner does not have the opportunity to cover all relevant aspects in the work environment, the remainder should be assessed through realistic simulations, projects, previous relevant experience or oral questioning on ' What if?' scenarios
Assessment of this unit of competence will usually include observation of processes and procedures, oral and/or written questioning on essential knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes
Where performance is not directly observed and/or is required to be demonstrated over a period of time and/or in a number of workplace settings, any evidence should be authenticated by colleagues, supervisors, clients or other appropriate persons


Method of assessment:
Observation in the workplace (if possible) together with a possible combination of the following:
Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice.
The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate
Assessment practices should take into account any relevant language or cultural issues related to Aboriginality, gender or language barriers other than English
Where the candidate has a disability, reasonable adjustment may be applied during assessment
Language and literacy demands of the assessment task should not be higher than those of the work role