FVRICs actively contribute to developing integrated service responses by identifying opportunities for service system improvements. Building connections between services and fostering a commitment to collaboration and innovation strengthens integration at local and regional levels resulting in improved access to services and enhancements in the range, quality and inclusiveness of family violence service responses. Drawing on local service system data, qualitative data and other evidence, FVRIC members work together to identify gaps and design and deliver solutions for service system improvements.
FVRICs engage a wide range of services at the local level by undertaking special projects, facilitating co-ordination and developing protocols to support cross sector work, and convening working groups. FVRICs also develop or support initiatives to improve access to services for specific cohorts and may also undertake work to connect and align local prevention activities with local family violence responses.
FVRICs’ focus on system development and strengthening integration within local service systems enables the identification of systemic issues which impact on the implementation of the family violence reform agenda. FVRICs undertake planning and targeted work to promote and embed specific family violence reforms at the local level including but not limited to the adoption of practice aligned with the MARAM Framework and the relevant Information Sharing Schemes, building family violence literacy across sectors, and initiatives which support the integration of The Orange Door with the local service system.
Representatives of FVRICs participate in reviews and consultations led by FSV to monitor progress and plan for further implementation of the family violence reforms.
FVRICs need to ensure that their activities are aligned with reform objectives and reflect priorities identified in the Ending Family Violence Victoria’s Plan for Change and associated FVRRAPs. At times FVRICs may be requested to contribute to work aligned with current or emerging FSV programs and initiatives.
FVRICs collate and analyse available service level data and other qualitative and quantitative evidence to understand local area needs, identify and prioritise systemic issues and to support advocacy for improvements to the service system.
Working together as the SFVIAC, the PSAs share and collate local data to inform an understanding of system issues across sectors, to identify statewide issues, and to understand the impact of various initiatives.
FVRICs need to have a strong focus on desired outcomes, and to consider indictors and measures of success. A data and evidence driven approach is required to demonstrate the impact of FVRIC activities and associated outcomes.
People with lived experience should play a vital role in deepening understanding of the family violence service system and identifying opportunities for improvement. FVRICs are expected to actively explore and develop meaningful ways to engage with people with lived experience of the family violence support system.
It is recognised that developing data resources at the local level is a longer-term objective as it relies on improved access to relevant and timely data, and enhanced capacity within FVRICs to collect, manage and analyse comprehensive data at the local level.
FVRICs have a key role in understanding the capacity and capability of workforces supporting the delivery of integrated family violence responses across all workforce tiers and sectors. Working with key stakeholders, including training providers and tertiary institutions, FVRICs identify and develop initiatives to address specific workforce capacity issues and to build capability through training and development activities across sectors.
The Victorian Government’s Building from Strength: 10-year Industry Plan for Family Violence Prevention and Response provides the policy framework for this work, and FVRICs should seek to respond to priorities in the relevant Rolling Action Plan.
The work of FVRICs should align with statewide workforce capacity initiatives and plans developed by relevant peak bodies, including Safe & Equal and No To Violence (NTV), and sector guidance such as the Code of Practice, and capability frameworks.
Capability building activities include the delivery of training (including the MARAM Collaborative Practice module), professional development forums, working groups on capacity/capability issues, and communities of practice. Development opportunities are provided for sector leaders as well as practitioners to strengthen shared understandings of family violence and to foster commitment to collaborative service development and innovation.
Achieving system change requires a commitment to high level collaboration by key players across the service system. FVRICs bring together representatives from government and non-government agencies, family violence services, children and family services, Victoria Police, justice and legal services, housing, community, and health services to understand and improve service responses to family violence.
Governance arrangements need to ensure there are processes are in place to effectively facilitate communication and information exchange across the system, support participatory decision-making and develop and maintain strategic engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. FVRIC governance arrangements also support strategic planning processes and mechanisms to ensure that accountability requirements are met.
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