VPRS 18021 Trainee Case Files: Liaison and Advocacy Unit

This series consists of the case files of individual Winlaton (VA 5093) trainees who, because of particular needs or problems, came under the attention of the Liaison and Advocacy Unit. The files include correspondence and working papers dealing with these issues. Additionally, they include trainee review and classification sheets, which were completed periodically by social workers to appraise the progress of individual trainees and detail case plans. Detailed notes about the trainees' backgrounds and reasons for particular case plan decisions are included.The Liaison and Advocacy Unit officer acted as the departmental 'watchdog' within Winlaton / Nunawading Youth Residential Centre (VA 5093). The incumbent had the responsibility of appraising internal procedures and programs. Additionally, they acted as an advocate for clients, ensuring that their legal and civil rights were upheld. To do this they liaised with external officials from the Children's' Court and other bodies, as well as departmental and institutional staff.The Liaison and Advocacy Unit, Practice Quality Branch of the Department of Community Services (VA 2633) was established to advocate the rights of clients primarily residing in institutions or at risk of institutionalisation and maintain pressure on the Department to ensure quality client service. The Department of Community Services' Liaison and Advocacy Unit was formally disbanded in July 1990, but these files hold later enclosures and the function must have been continued in some capacity at the centre.