04 MayPolicyWorks Catalogue – Family Violence Support policy
Is your service ready to support children and families that are experiencing family violence?
Family violence is a widespread and serious problem in Australia, which can have serious consequences for individuals, families and the community. Family violence has profoundly negative effects on children, whether they are directly targeted, witness the violence or are aware of the violence in the family. Children can suffer from a variety of physical, spiritual, emotional, mental and developmental effects as a result of family violence. Long term effects of trauma from family violence can be carried into adulthood and result in a range of detrimental emotional, mental and behavioural problems.
Family violence differs from other forms of violence; it is generally underpinned by a pattern of coercion, control and domination by one person over another. While family violence can begin at the start of a relationship, it can also increase and change over time. There are times where there is increased risk, including pregnancy and separation (or attempted separation). Family violence is generally part of a longer-term pattern, rather than a one-off event.
The Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme (FVISS) has been established under Part 5A of the Family Violence Protection Act 2008, enabling relevant information to be shared between prescribed information sharing entities (ISEs) to assess and manage family violence risk. The Child Information Sharing Scheme (CISS), established under Part 6A of the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005, enables prescribed ISEs to share information with each other in order to promote the wellbeing and safety of children, including in situations where family violence is suspected or established as being present.
The Information Sharing Scheme does not change child safety obligations. It complements existing privacy laws and will enhance the ability of early education and care services to meet child wellbeing and safety responsibilities under the Child Safe Standards and comply with mandatory reporting and other reporting obligations.
As part of the Member Resources Renewal project, ELAA has developed a Family Violence Support policy template that outlines the range of supports available to children, families and staff affected by family violence and outlines the services reporting requirements in relation to family violence.
If you have any questions about the PolicyWorks Catalogue, please contact the Member Resources Project Coordinator, Loredana Dowdle (Project Resources Coordinator)
