Terms & Conditions: Individual Placement Agreement (IPA)

These Terms and Conditions outline the responsibilities, expectations, and operational protocols between Mirrimpilyi Muurpa-nara Aboriginal Corporation (MMAC) and Partner Agencies in relation to Individual Placement Agreements (IPAs) for Aboriginal children and young people.

Purpose

To facilitate culturally safe, community-led placements that uphold the rights, identity, and wellbeing of Aboriginal children and young people through collaborative IPA arrangements.

Partner Agency Responsibilities

  • Submit a formal IPA placement request including case details, objectives, and proposed timelines.
  • Provide comprehensive documentation, including:
    • Care Plan
    • Risk Assessment
    • Behaviour Support Plan
    • Cultural Support Plan
    • Safety Plan
    • Health Management Plan
    • Education Support Plan
    • Transition Plan
    • Case Management Summary
  • Share weekly or monthly appointment schedules via email, coordinated directly with the MMAC Program Manager.
  • Participate in regular case reviews and provide timely updates.
  • Notify Mirrimpilyi of any changes to placement status within 48 hours.
  • Share final placement outcomes and evaluations, incorporating community feedback.

Compliance and Dispute Resolution

  • Partner Agencies must comply with all relevant legislation, including the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998 (NSW).
  • Disputes will be resolved through culturally appropriate mediation facilitated by Mirrimpilyi or a neutral third party.

Information Sharing

In accordance with Section 16A of the Children and Young Persons Act, Partner Agencies must:

  • Proactively share information relevant to care planning, risk management, and cultural support.
  • Include health records, education reports, incident logs, and safety concerns.
  • Ensure information is shared securely, respectfully, and in a timely manner.
  • Recognise MMAC as a prescribed body and include it in all relevant communications.

Mirrimpilyi Service Commitments

MMAC will provide:

  • Development and implementation of a Behaviour Support Plan tailored to the child’s emotional and behavioural needs.
  • Ongoing monitoring and adjustment of the BSP in consultation with the child, family, and agency.
  • Staff coaching and oversight to ensure consistent and safe behavioural interventions.
  • A trauma-informed, culturally responsive residential setting.
  • Staff trained in Aboriginal cultural safety and therapeutic care practices.
  • Daily routines and activities that promote cultural identity, healing, and stability.
  • A guaranteed minimum placement period of one week.
  • Structured onboarding and exit planning to support continuity of care.

Mirrimpilyi Operational Responsibilities

  • Serious Incident Reports: Submitted within 24 hours of any critical event (e.g. injury, absconding, abuse allegations, police involvement), including follow-up actions.
  • Daily Reports: Logs of the child’s activities, mood, behaviour, interactions, and notable events.
  • Staff Checks: Ongoing verification of staff credentials, clearances, and cultural competency training (preferably delivered by MMAC or other ACCOs).
  • Residential Care Worker Register: A formal record of assigned care workers, including roles, shifts, and contact details.

Termination and Review

  • Mirrimpilyi reserves the right to terminate the IPA if safety is compromised or terms are breached, with reasonable time provided for transition planning.
  • These Terms and Conditions will be reviewed annually or as required to reflect community priorities and legislative changes.