The Department of Human Services (DHS) has launched a new portal to help social workers and other professionals access resources to support children and young people.
In a statement, the Department said the Adults Supporting Kids (ASK) website was for everyone who had concerns about the safety and wellbeing of children, young people or families, to connect them with information and support to keep kids safe and well.
It said among the professionals were psychologists, case managers, educators and other health specialists.
“The ASK Professional Portal is now available to assist professionals to locate evidence-based ‘wellbeing and safety’ practices and resources across 12 topics including: Health, parenting, education, domestic violence, drug use or legal issues,” the DHS said.
“Best practices are also included for supporting LGBTIQA+ and culturally diverse families, or families with members who are living with disability,” it said.
“Children, young people and families face a range of issues, and challenges.
“Each person is unique and cannot be defined by just one characteristic.”
It said ASK recognised this and helped professionals navigate the complex system of services that provide support to children, young people and families.
DHS said professionals could also use the Just ASK quiz with clients or refer clients to use the quiz as a self-help tool for the identification of potential risk factors and support options.
“The quiz is quick to complete, confidential and easily accessed through the pop-up tool on the bottom of the ASK website homepage,” the Department said.
It said information about ASK, interpreters and other services was translated into 14 languages which now included two Aboriginal languages with a third coming soon.
The ASK Professional Portal can be accessed at this PS News link.
