Challenging Case Studies
Youth homelessness practice can, at times, present challenges for workers, particularly where a young person experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness has multiple and complex needs. It also can be challenging for workers when access to support services via referral is limited or unavailable.
Guiding work in challenging situations in youth homelessness practice is the identification of best practice examples. These may also take into account legislation, principles, standards and ethical practice considerations. Information and links on these can be found below.
This section will present some challenging case studies for discussion. It is not intended to act as a substitute or replacement for case management supervision which is provided by the agency in a worker is employed.
The purpose of this section is provide workers with an opportunity to information share, discuss and share ideas on practice challenges when working with young people at risk.
The case studies in this section are provided by those working in youth homelessness. They may be based on real situations (rather than young people) or may be fictional case studies. Of utmost importance is the removal of any identifying information within a case study.
This section may be moderated by an appropriately qualified and experienced person both in relation to non-identifiable case studies and also appropriate content and discussion.
Workers submitting case studies may wish to include questions to prompt or invite discussion on best practice.
Case Management
National SAAP Case Management Principles (Commonwealth 1997). This document is relevant to all funded homelessness services and has been taken into consideration in the development of accreditation requirements (link can also be found on CHP website, under resources, policy, section 3).
Secondary Consultation
As part of Youth Homelessness Action Plan Stage 2, 2006-2010: Creating Connections, the Intensive Case Management Service in the NorthWest metropolitan region provides a mechanism by which Youth Homelessness Workers can access case management support and multidisciplinary information when presented with challenging situations when working with clients. Contact Salvation Army, Intensive Case Management Service -
Child First provides secondary consultation for workers seeking consultation on a referral to Child First or to discuss making a report to Child Protection. Click here to find 1300 numbers for all DHS regions across Victoria as well as metropolitan and rural maps if you are unsure which office to call.
Child Protection Crisis Service: 131 278 (after-hours service only).
YACVic’s Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethical Practice – A First Step for the Victorian Youth Sector outlines a set of youth work principles and practice responsibilities for youth workers. Alongside the Code you can now find case study materials to assist in implementation. Find out more.
