About this resource
Endings are a chance to learn. This guide supports a short conversation when a service ends, covering what helped, what could be better, how the client is going now, ongoing supports and how to return if needed, with a record for service improvement.
Purpose
To end services well and learn from clients' experiences.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Community services and case workers. Also relevant for social workers, youth workers.
Client or participant group: Community services workers.
Practice setting: Case closure and service exit.
Suggested uses
- Case closure
- Service improvement
- Program evaluation
- Supervision
Instructions for practitioners
- Plan the ending with the client.
- Invite honest feedback, including criticism.
- Confirm ongoing supports.
- Record feedback for service improvement.
Accessibility considerations
Interpreters and alternative formats.
Scope and limitations
A conversation guide.
Research basis
Human rights frameworks and research on the dignity of risk support people's right to make their own choices, including choices that involve some risk. Case management practice standards describe assessment, planning, coordination, review and planned exits with the person at the centre.
- Case Management Society of Australia and New Zealand. (2013). National standards of practice for case management (3rd ed.). https://www.cmsa.org.au/
- Ibrahim, J. E., & Davis, M. (2013). Impediments to applying the ‘dignity of risk’ principle in residential aged care services. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 32(3), 188–193. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajag.12014
- United Nations. (2006). Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-persons-disabilities
What is included
A 2-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced.
