Context
The practice principles framework for screening and assessment exists within a wider framework: that of the Centres and the Advice Line as a whole. This in turn exists within the framework of other government and non-government services designed to assist clients with issues that impact on family relationships.
Practice framework for screening and assessment
The figure below sets out in graphic form the various elements of the framework and their relationship to each other.
External environment
There are many people and organisations that have a stake in the way the screening and assessment processes are carried out in the Centres and the Advice Line. These include other organisations providing complementary services with which the Centres and the Advice Line will collaborate in providing services to families and individuals.
The wider community has an interest in the proper administration of this part of the social infrastructure even though the interest might be indirect in the majority of cases.
The interests of stakeholders in the external environment will enter the framework through those who are responsible for determining policy.
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Policy
The Family Relationship Centres and Advice Line program is an initiative of the Australian Government.
The Centres and the Advice Line are funded under the Family Relationships Services Program (FRSP) by the Attorney-General’s Department. Generally, the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs administers the FRSP under a business partnership with the Attorney-General's Department. However, the Advice Line is administered directly by the Attorney-General's Department. The Centres and the Advice Line will provide services consistent with the aim, principles and standards for the FRSP.
Formal Knowledge Base
There is a body of knowledge in the social sciences, psychology, medicine, law and other disciplines which should be drawn upon to inform the development, formation and refinement of policy for screening and assessment.
This knowledge base includes knowledge gained from contemporary practice and research as well as evidence-based assumptions.
Formal Competency Base
The formal competency base is built on the knowledge base. It identifies the knowledge, skills and values that staff need to have to undertake screening and assessment.
It also identifies the way in which these competencies should be developed in staff and the initial and ongoing accreditation requirements for specialists or professionals.
Practice Principles for Screening and Assessment
The practice principles that will apply to screening and assessment have been developed from current research and a consultative process with experts and specialists or professionals in the field. Screening and assessment will continue to be informed by policy, the formal knowledge base, and the formal competency base.
These principles are set out in the next section of this document.
Evaluation
A formal evaluation program will be an important means of ensuring that the policy objectives for screening and assessment in the Centres and the Advice Line are met.
The evaluation program should ascertain the effectiveness of the screening and assessment instruments as such as well as the quality of practice. At a broader level, they will examine the adequacy of the practice guidelines.
The incorporation of an action research approach to evaluating screening and assessing in Centres and Advice Line will serve to maximise their efficacy.
The evaluations will inform stakeholders, both internal and external to the framework, about the effectiveness of the screening and assessment processes so that decisions and actions can be taken to improve them.
The evaluation program should provide valuable information to enhance the formal knowledge and skills bases both for this program and similar programs in Australia and other countries.
Evaluations will ensure that the framework is continuously reviewed so that continuous improvements are made to screening and assessment.
To facilitate this, the Family Relationship Centres and the Family Relationship Advice Line will be required to participate in a multi-tiered evaluation of the Government’s package of measures for the family law reforms.