| Course Code | CHC40321 |
| Locations | Warrnambool, Virtual |
| Study Mode | Full-time, On Campus, Online |
| Length | 15 months |
| Commencement | February, July, October |
| Timetable | One day on campus and half a day via virtual classroom a week, plus placement and self-paced study. Training is delivered over 46 weeks, during school terms. |
Build the skills and confidence to support children and young people in Residential and Out-of-Home Care settings.
This qualification is designed for people who are working, or would like to work, in the Residential and Out-of-Home Care sector. You will develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to support children and young people who have experienced trauma, disadvantage or complex life circumstances.
Throughout the course, you will learn how to build positive relationships, provide trauma-informed support, respond to behaviours of concern, promote wellbeing, and contribute to safe and supportive living environments. You will also develop skills in communication, advocacy, case support, and working collaboratively with families and other service providers to achieve positive outcomes for children and young people.
The course includes 120 hours of industry placement, providing valuable hands-on experience in a real-world care environment. Placement allows you to apply your learning in practice, build confidence, and develop the skills required for frontline roles in the sector.
Widely recognised as the minimum qualification for many Residential and Out-of-Home Care worker positions, this course provides a strong foundation for a rewarding career supporting vulnerable children and young people.
By completing the Certificate IV in Child, Youth and Family Intervention, you’ll develop the essential skills to support children, young people, and families across a variety of care settings. You’ll learn to work effectively in residential and out-of-home care, family support, and early intervention services, always within safe and ethical practice guidelines.
The course emphasises child safety, wellbeing, and positive behaviour support, while also building your skills in casework, client advocacy, and collaborative practice with other professionals.
Additionally, you’ll gain the knowledge to operate within organisational frameworks, service plans, and legal/ethical standards. This qualification provides the minimum requirement to work in the Residential and Out-of-Home Care sector, ensuring you are job-ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families.
Upon successful completion, you will be equipped to work in:
This course provides a pathway into Diploma of Community Services.
During the course you will be required to undertake 120 hours of practical placement outside of timetabled class time.
In order to undertake placement, you must be able to obtain a current Working with Children Check, a current police check (with no disclosures) and where necessary the NDIS worker screening. You may also be required to be fully vaccinated for COVID and flu.
Why don’t you come along to our next course info session to find out everything you need to start your learning journey? You can chat with our teachers, tour our facilities, learn more about the course, find out about the application process and get your questions answered by our course experts.
Placement requirement
In order to undertake placement, you must:
To be eligible for this qualification you must successfully complete 16 units: 11 core units and 5 electives.
| Unit Code | Unit Name | Unit Hours | Unit Consumables |
|---|---|---|---|
| HLTWHS001 | Participate in Workplace Health and Safety | 20 | $0.00 |
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | 40 | $0.00 |
| CHCDIV002 | Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety | 25 | $0.00 |
| CHCLEG001 | Work legally and ethically | 55 | $0.00 |
| CHCCCS006 | Facilitate individual service planning and delivery | 120 | $0.00 |
| CHCCOM002 | Use communication to build relationships | 55 | $0.00 |
| CHCMHS007 | Work effectively in trauma informed care | 40 | $0.00 |
| CHCPRT025 | Identify and report children and young people at risk | 40 | $0.00 |
| CHCPRT027 | Work collaboratively to maintain an environment safe for children and young people | 50 | $0.00 |
| CHCPRT029 | Work within a practice framework | 50 | $0.00 |
| CHCPRT034 | Work with children and young people with complex trauma and attachment issues and needs | 75 | $0.00 |
| Unit Code | Unit Name | Unit Hours | Unit Consumables |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHCCCS016 | Respond to client needs | 60 | $0.00 |
| CHCMHS001 | Work with people with mental health issues | 80 | $0.00 |
| CHCCCS009 | Facilitate responsible behaviour | 40 | $0.00 |
| CHCDEV004 | Confirm developmental status | 60 | $0.00 |
| CHCPRT033 | Provide support to children and youth in out-of-home care | 90 | $0.00 |
This course involves accredited units. You will be required to complete assessment tasks to demonstrate your underpinning knowledge, skills and attributes to meet the course outcomes. A combination of written, oral and practical assessment strategies will be used in either a classroom, online or workplace environment.
Where units require demonstration of skills in a workplace environment, you will have the opportunity to do this either in your own workplace (where appropriate), through a practical placement, or by using one of the Institute's simulated workshops/classrooms. Detailed information about the types, conduct and dates of assessments will be provided in advance. You will also be provided with information about the opportunity for reassessment and appeal.
Here's an outline of fees and costs associated with your course.
Your fees each year can be made up of 3 different elements. Everyone has different circumstances that can affect what you pay and how much you pay. :
There are 4 different rates of tuition fees. Only one will apply to you (depending on your eligibility and circumstances).
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FEES AND ELIGIBILITY
The fees listed below are indicative only. The course fees published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Course fee funding is made available to eligible individuals by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments. If funding is utilised, this may affect opportunities to access additional funding in the future. An accurate quote for this course will be provided during the enrolment process.
| Course fees by student type | Indicative Course Fee |
|---|---|
| Government subsidised rate (if eligible) | $3,330.00 |
| Concession rate | $670.00 |
| Full fee rate (if not eligible for govt subsidy) | $12,015.00 |
Some courses require specific resources or materials necessary for your study eg: tools of the trade, excursions, etc. Final costs will be determined upon enrolment.
| Additional course fees | Indicative Course Fee |
|---|---|
| Course consumable/materials (approximate) | $0.00 |
An annual student services fee contributes to the provision of student engagement, learning and support services.
| Student service fee | Annual amount |
|---|---|
| Concession rate | $100.00 |
| Standard rate | $150.00 |
This fee is non-refundable upon commencement of your course. Some students may be exempt from the student service fee. Your fee will be confirmed based on your circumstances when you enrol.
Once we have processed your enrolment form, you will receive an email with your invoice.
You have three options when organising your payment:
Payments will need to be arranged within five(5) business days of receiving the email containing your invoice.
We also offer a range of scholarships each year which you may be eligible to apply for to assist with course fees.
There are five simple steps to apply for a course with us.
Need help? Contact us or visit your nearest campus.
Not sure which course is right for you? South West TAFE will help you find your way.
Our Careers Coaches at the Skills and Jobs Centre is here to support you. Whether you’re exploring career options, transitioning from school to the workforce or looking to study after school we’re here to help you.
As a SWTAFE student, you can access a variety of support services that will enhance your study experience and help you complete your studies successfully. For more information about any of these services, visit our student page.
This is Free TAFE course. Free TAFE is a Victorian Government program that covers tuition fees for priority courses for students who are eligible for government-subsidised training. There may still be some costs like course materials, uniform or excursions applicable to the course you select.
A Free TAFE Pathways Program is a group of courses that complement each other to help you continue to train for the career and industry you may wish to work in.
For eligible students, these courses are tuition fee free. Depending on the course, you may still be required to pay material fees. The consumable fees for this course are listed in the above table.
Find out more about Free TAFE Pathways Program and eligibility or contact our Customer Service team.
Skill sets are courses that are available free of any tuition fees for eligible applicants.
These courses are not part of the Free TAFE program and therefore will not impact your eligibility to study a Free TAFE course in the future.
Right now this course is only offered at limited locations, however, we’d welcome you to register your interest in your preferred study location. This will help us to plan for future course delivery locations.
This is Free TAFE course. Free TAFE is a Victorian Government program that covers tuition fees for priority courses for students who are eligible for government-subsidised training. There may still be some costs like course materials, uniform or excursions applicable to the course you select.
A Free TAFE Pathways Program is a group of courses that complement each other to help you continue to train for the career and industry you may wish to work in.
For eligible students, these courses are tuition fee free. Depending on the course, you may still be required to pay material fees. The consumable fees for this course are listed in the above table.
Find out more about Free TAFE Pathways Program and eligibility or contact our Customer Service team.
Skill sets are courses that are available free of any tuition fees for eligible applicants.
These courses are not part of the Free TAFE program and therefore will not impact your eligibility to study a Free TAFE course in the future.
Right now this course is only offered at limited locations, however, we’d welcome you to register your interest in your preferred study location. This will help us to plan for future course delivery locations.
