Do the draft program operational framework and six key requirements in the discussion paper identify all the key factors that will support the more effective delivery of FSP services? FRSA supports the intent of the principles outlined in the Draft Operational Framework. In the interests of fostering a shared understanding of the principles, we suggest that some of the key concepts be further explored and articulated. Some examples are identified below.
Key concept 'well-being'
Well-being is a key concept in the principles that warrants more attention. It is assumed that there is a shared understanding of well-being and its importance to economic and social prosperity. There may be value in being more explicit and stating clearly that in the FSP context, well-being is not a ‘soft’ or idealistic state of happiness but rather a physical and mental soundness that makes it possible to maintain a home, participate in the workforce, attend school, provide care and meet the needs of other family members.
Understanding might be further enhanced by an examination of the ecological or contextual factors that impact on well-being. The proposed FSP Principles recognise that individual and family well-being (encompassing safety and resilience) are substantially influenced by the community context and wider cultural influences. This concept is fundamental to understanding why family support programs work with individuals, families and communities; and why the appropriate mix of supports might be very different across different community and cultural contexts. This could be assisted by the use of a diagram such as the one provided
Figure 1: Ecological factors in well-being 
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Key concept 'vulnerability'
The use of the term 'vulnerable families' may be problematic because it implies a static state of disempowerment. This works against social inclusion by suggesting that 'vulnerable families' are different or 'other' to the majority of families. An alternative approach would be to recognise vulnerability as a temporary state which can happen to anyone or any family – perhaps as a result of a sudden trauma, illness, unemployment or separation. The goal becomes 'reducing risk' and 'building resilience' rather than 'fixing' groups of people or communities. This approach allows recognition that some groups and communities face greater risks and challenges but does not view disadvantage as inevitable.
Moving to a strengths based understanding of vulnerability is similar to the way that our societal understanding of disability has changed over the past two decades – reflected in the change in language from 'disabled persons' to 'people with disability ' to more ecological concepts of 'disability' as a consequence of inaccessible environments and inadequate supports. An ecological understanding of vulnerability is that it occurs in the context of life events, circumstances and opportunities all of which can change over time.
Key concept 'family'
The concept of 'family' is particularly challenging. An inclusive definition recognising the diversity of family relationships can become so broad that it is almost meaningless, yet anything less can be too narrow. Nonetheless, the absence of definition gives rise to concern that the Family Support Program may fail to recognise and respond to the diversity of family structures and relationships that exist in contemporary society. Some statements that recognise this diversity and the importance of developing supports that are appropriate and responsive to different needs may be a valuable inclusion in the FSP Operating Framework. For example:
- Clarify that the term 'parent' is used broadly to encompass mothers, fathers, stepparents, carers, grandparents and others who participate in raising children
- Recognise the value of engaging with men and fathers, particularly to highlight the positive role that the majority of dads take in family life
- Demonstrate an understanding of the unique circumstances of sole parent families and separated families with shared parenting arrangements
- Recognise the important role of grandparents and extended family networks
- Commit to the development of services that are culturally appropriate and sensitive to past harm; particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families as well as refugee and migrant families
- Acknowledge the additional challenges faced by families with a child or parent who has a disability, health or mental health needs.
- Respect the diversity of religious and lifestyle choices that families make and how this might impact on their use of support services.
- Recognise that equality of access to support for some groups such as gay parent families and children who have been adopted or fostered is a goal and new approaches may be warranted.
Recommendation 1: Further develop and articulate key concepts in the proposed FSP Operating Framework to foster shared understanding and agreement.