About this resource
Appointments go better with preparation. This sheet helps clients note the appointment details, what to bring, questions to ask, notes during the appointment, any reference numbers and what happens next.
Purpose
To help clients feel prepared and get the most out of their appointment.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Community services and case workers. Also relevant for social workers, youth workers.
Client or participant group: Adults and young people with an upcoming income support appointment.
Practice setting: Community, housing and youth services.
Suggested uses
- Preparing for appointments
- Building confidence and independence
- Recording outcomes
- Following up with workers
Instructions for practitioners
- Go through the sheet with the client before the appointment.
- Help the client write their questions.
- Offer to attend or arrange an interpreter if needed.
- Follow up after the appointment.
Instructions for clients or participants
- Fill in the details.
- Bring what is on the list.
- Write notes and next steps.
Accessibility considerations
Workers can scribe. Interpreters are available for government services.
Scope and limitations
General preparation support. It is not legal or financial advice.
Research basis
Debt and financial stress are strongly linked with poorer mental and physical health, so practical financial support is part of holistic care. 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/
- Richardson, T., Elliott, P., & Roberts, R. (2013). The relationship between personal unsecured debt and mental and physical health: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 33(8), 1148–1162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2013.08.009
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.
