Understanding child wellbeing

Using the Child Information Sharing Scheme to promote child wellbeing.

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The Child Information Sharing Scheme (CISS) enables authorised organisations and services to share information to promote the wellbeing or safety of children. Many professionals have a good understanding of sharing for safety, but how do we know what to share for the wellbeing of a child or young person?

Within CISS the term 'wellbeing' is not defined. It is you as the professional, that determines what factors are impacting on the child or young person’s wellbeing in your care.

This is because wellbeing can be highly contextual. Socio-economic factors, the age and stage of a child, along with a child’s experience can impact on wellbeing and how it is viewed. For example, an early childhood professional may view wellbeing and the factors that impact wellbeing for a child in their care, quite differently to a secondary school teacher.

Therefore, when sharing information for wellbeing under CISS, it is your professional judgement that determines what factors are impacting on the child or young person’s wellbeing in your care.

How information sharing for wellbeing can help a child

The following video describes the Child Information Sharing Scheme and how sharing for wellbeing can help a child to thrive.

Factors that can impact a child's wellbeing

The list below provides guidance on factors that can impact a child’s wellbeing. This is not an exhaustive list but may be useful to consider.

  • Physical, psychological and emotional health.
  • Access to and engagement with supportive services.
  • Engagement in supportive relationships and connection to culture.
  • Involvement in activities that will foster development.
  • Access to resources for learning and development.
  • Access to safe accommodation and nourishment.
  • A safe and stable environment in which to live, learn and grow.

Relevant sector frameworks

Health & social support

Updated

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