2.2 Principles of effective school case management

There are five principles that should underpin effective school case management.

1. The promotion of the student's health and well-being.

1.1 Focus on the personal and educational development and empowerment of the student.
1.2 The student is supported and encouraged to be self-reliant and independent, and to engage in appropriate help-seeking behaviours.
1.3 When responding to a student's needs, the values of the student and his/her family are recognised.
1.4 A commitment to establishing a positive and respectful relationship with the student.
1.5 A community based focus the maintenance of the student's connections with his/her broader community, including school, peers, and family.
1.6 To maximise participation in shared decision-making, the feelings and views of the student, and where possible his/her family, are actively sought and incorporated in consequent planning and action.

2. An individualised process

2.1 An individualised action plan which is based on comprehensive assessment.
2.2 This plan is developed in collaboration with the student, and where appropriate his/her parents/caregivers, and includes his/her preferences and choices.
2.3 It builds on the student's personal strengths.
2.4 The plan is flexible and responsive to the needs of the student.
2.5 It is outcomes focused.

3. Maintenance of legal and human rights, privacy and confidentiality

3.1 The student's legal and human rights are respected in terms of the prevention of sexual, physical, financial, neglect and emotional abuse.
3.2 Interventions are developmentally appropriate and least intrusive.
3.3 Appropriate standards of duty of care are applied.
3.4 The student's and parents' right to privacy and confidentiality is acknowledged, and he/she is informed about confidentiality policies and practices, particularly in relation to what information is being requested, why it is being requested, and who has access to it.1
3.5 All school staff should be made aware of privacy and confidentiality policies and practices.
3.6 The process of collecting information is limited only to information that is relevant to the case management process, and is conducted lawfully, fairly, and non-intrusively.
3.7 The student is aware of the limitations of confidentially (eg. subpoenas, child protection).
3.8 The case manager advocates for the rights of his/her student within the legislative and funding frameworks that apply to the student.

4. Non-discriminatory and culturally appropriate practice

4.1 Access, within its scope and capacity, to a process that is nondiscriminatory, and offers a non-threatening and comfortable environment.
4.2 A sensitivity to and respect for the student's values, culture, and language.

5. An efficient and purposeful management process

5.1 A well coordinated, planned and reliable process.
5.2 Planning is timely, inclusive of all stakeholders, and collaborative by involving all stakeholders.
5.3 Processes and strategies to address student needs are realistically planned with available quality resources in mind.
5.4 An emphasis on continuity, predictability and consistency.
5.5 A process that is evaluated, accountable and transparent to all parties involved, with a view to periodic reviews for efficacy and adjustments being made as needed.
5.6 Personnel who are trained and skilled, adhere to ethical and professional case management standards, and hold appropriate educational qualifications and professional licensure.
5.7 Each case management process is well documented, participants, particularly the student, have agreed to the content and follow-up on action and the review process.

1: On the Case Management Summaries page, there is a downloadable handout on the key elements of Privacy and Confidentiality. See Useful Websites: Reach Out! Confidentiality - an informative fact sheet, written primarily for young people, about confidentiality; Lawstuff. Know your rights - information about the legal age to automatic rights to confidential health care in your state.