New South Wales Consolidated Acts New South Wales Consolidated ActsIf a person seeks assistance from the Director-General under this Part (whether or not a child or young person is suspected of being in need of care and protection), the Director-General must:
(a) provide whatever advice or material assistance, or make such referral as, the Director-General considers necessary, or
(b) take whatever other action the Director-General considers necessary,to safeguard or promote the safety, welfare and well-being of the child or young person.
Note: After assessing the request for assistance, the Director-General need not take any further action.
The Director-General, in responding to a request for assistance or a report, can provide services or arrange for other government departments and agencies, or community organisations, to provide services to assist children, young persons and their families. Some of the services that may be available include:• assessment of risk or need• service co-ordination• emergency financial assistance• mediation• counselling for children, young persons and their families• services for people with disabilities• parenting education• out-of-home placement• drug and alcohol counselling• early childhood health services• counselling and support for sexual assault or domestic violence• respite care• children’s services• family support• youth support programs• accommodation for the homeless• adoption assistanceThe Department may also play a role in referring people to services provided under Commonwealth legislation, such as Family Court counselling and access to maintenance entitlements or other benefits.