Enhancing the integration of Family Services and
Child Protection is a key aim of the legislative reform relating to
services for vulnerable children, youth and
families.
The Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 and the
Family Services Strategic Framework seek to
provide:
-
An enhanced
support capacity for vulnerable children and families including
those who may not come into direct contact with the statutory child
protection service.
-
Divert a
significant proportion of families currently notified to Child
Protection to more appropriate community based
services.
-
Deliver earlier
intervention in children’s lives with a focus on the
child’s best interest.
A major objective of the North Central Victorian
Family Services Alliance (N.C.V.F.S.A) is translating the
legislative and policy intent into day to day practice that
improves service delivery and life outcomes for vulnerable children
and young people. The following description of the
interface/integration of Child Protection and Child FIRST/Family
Services helps achieve the implementation of the service reforms at
a day to day practice level.
