What new Family Violence Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management (MARAM) practice guidance is being developed?

Family Safety Victoria (FSV) is developing MARAM practice guidance for:

• direct risk and wellbeing assessment of children and young people victim survivors

• identifying and responding to young people using family violence in the home and in intimate partner/dating relationships (recognising that young people using violence often experience family violence risk).

This new practice guidance will support workforces prescribed under the MARAM Framework to respond to children and young people as victim survivors in their own right and support their wellbeing in the context of family violence. The guidance will support professionals to respond to young people using violence with a trauma and violence-informed, and age and developmental stage lens. The practice guides and tools are anticipated for release in 2024.

What has been achieved so far?

In 2022-23, 41 consultation sessions were held with over 500 professionals across MARAM prescribed workforces to support the development of the child and young person-focused MARAM practice guidance.

The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare, Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS), and Safe and Equal were engaged to contribute to the development of the Practice Guides. In addition, FSV engaged RMIT and Monash University to undertake research reports.

In December 2022, RMIT published the report ‘Adolescents using Family Violence (AUFV) MARAM Practice Guidance Project 2022: Review of the Evidence Base(opens in a new window)’.

In March 2023, Monash University published their report, ‘Young people’s experiences of identity abuse in the context of family violence: A Victorian study’.(opens in a new window) The report provides analysis of Victorian responses received to Monash University’s national survey on children and young people’s family violence experiences, use of violence, service, and support needs. The report builds on the I Believe You(opens in a new window) report published by Monash University in February 2023 and supports further understanding of the voice and experience of children and young people experiencing family violence.

The findings from each report are directly informing the development of practice guidance and tools by incorporating young people’s experience of barriers to help seeking and service engagement, and experience of family violence that targets the young person’s identity and/or culture.

In June 2023, FSV further engaged a consortium of Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) and Yoowinna Wurnalung Aboriginal Healing Service (YWAHS) to work on content across the draft practice guidance, co-lead consultations with key stakeholders, engage with and draw upon children and young people’s voices, contribute to tool and template development, and support user testing processes. This approach will ensure that consultation and user testing is culturally safe, and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lens is centred throughout the development of the Practice Guides and tools.

VACCA and YWAHS have drafted content on cultural concepts and culturally strong practice. In 2024, two consultation workshops with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCO) have been held to discuss these topics and provide an opportunity for practitioners to share cultural wisdom and insights. Youth Yarns will be held over the coming months with Aboriginal young people.

In April, Swinburne University commenced a Delphi study that is being used to develop the identification and assessment tools. This study includes both survey and focus groups over several feedback rounds with subject matter experts, including practitioners from prescribed workforces. The first survey round has now closed, with good participation across workforces and most items reaching consensus for inclusion in the tools.

If you are interested in participating in upcoming surveys or focus groups, please express your interest to Kate Ball at infosharing@familysafety.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window).

What training is being developed?

FSV has developed a new ‘MARAM: Working with Adults Using Family Violence’ (AUFV) non accredited training program. The program supports professionals in prescribed workforces to keep adults using family violence in view and accountable, and to promote the safety of victim survivors of family violence.

The AUFV program is tailored for each MARAM responsibility level (identification, intermediate and comprehensive)

What has been achieved so far?

FSV has engaged No to Violence and Safe and Equal to deliver the AUFV training program at no cost to participants. Delivery of the identification-level training commenced in November 2023 and Intermediate and Comprehensive training commenced in February 2024. Professionals can register for the training via the links below:

• Register for Identification level AUFV (Delivered by Safe + Equal)(opens in a new window)

• Register for Intermediate level AUFV (Delivered by No to Violence)(opens in a new window)

• Register for Comprehensive level AUFV (Delivered by No to Violence)(opens in a new window)

What training is being reviewed and redeveloped?

The three Victim Survivor MARAM training packages (Identification, Intermediate, and Comprehensive) and the MARAM- Leading Alignment and MARAM Collaborative Practice modules.

What has been achieved so far?

Following stakeholder feedback and the findings of the MARAM 5-year Evidence Review, FSV has contracted Safe & Equal to review and redevelop the three Victim Survivor training packages (Identification, Intermediate, Comprehensive) and the MARAM Leading Alignment and MARAM Collaborative Practice Modules.

Safe and Equal have commenced the training redevelopment, with pilot training sessions to be tested from August – December 2024.

What is MARAM Accredited Training?

The Centre for Workforce Excellence (CWE), DFFH, is working in partnership with the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR) to develop Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses in family violence.

The training aims to build the knowledge, skills, and capabilities of existing and future workforces to respond to and contribute to the prevention of family violence. These courses are the first accredited training courses to be directly based on the MARAM Framework.

Through these courses, individuals will be able to access MARAM aligned and accredited family violence training through Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), TAFEs and dual sector universities, either during their studies or before they enter the workforce as part of their pre-service education and training.

What has been achieved so far?

The Course in Identifying and Responding to Family Violence was recently re-accredited with the new code 22660VIC. The course has been made available for delivery from 1 April 2024. Improvements have been made to the new course based on learnings from implementation of its predecessor, including streamlined content and assessment requirements. A refreshed suite of resources to accompany the course will be available later this year.

The Course in Intermediate Risk Assessment and Management of Family Violence (22625VIC) was re-accredited in 2023 and is available to training providers for delivery. Development of course resources for the unit VU23432 – Undertake intermediate assessment and management of family violence risk will commence later in 2024.

The Course in Contributing to the Prevention of Family Violence and Violence Against Women (22621VIC) was accredited in 2023 and is available to TAFEs for delivery. Course resources are currently under development and will be available this year.

MARAM Video Series

What is the MARAM Video Series?

The MARAM video series consists of 17 impactful videos to support prescribed workforces to better understand MARAM reforms, including the key concepts and responsibilities that apply to their role. These videos are available on the Vic Gov website and YouTube.

What videos are available?

The series includes two types of videos:

• MARAM animation series: Six short videos on specific MARAM practice topics, for example Structured Professional Judgement. You can view them on the Vic Gov website or on YouTube.

• MARAM victim survivor and person using family violence series: Eleven longer role play scenarios between a practitioner and client, including graphics with key topics raised. You can view them on the Vic Gov website or on YouTube.

MARAMIS Fact Sheets

MARAMIS fact sheets were developed to support people receiving services from DFFH but are relevant to a broad range of workforces.

The fact sheets outline the Family Violence MARAM Framework and Information Schemes in everyday practice. To support diverse communities, the fact sheets are translated into 6 commonly used languages: Dinka, Somali, Simplified Chinese, Oromo, Arabic and Vietnamese. They are also translated into easy English.

Access the fact sheets at Family violence multi-agency risk assessment and management framework.

What is the MARAM Maturity Model?

The MARAM maturity model will be a key supporting resource of the MARAM Framework. The model provides a means for organisations to self-assess their level of alignment to MARAM and help them take improving steps. It will sit alongside the MARAM Practice Guides and Organisational Embedding Guide, which support organisations to understand what steps they should take to align with MARAM and provide guidance on risk assessment and management responsibilities.

What has been achieved so far?

Human-centred design consultant Paper Giant has built on early material developed by FSV to finalise research activities and co-designed maturity model resources in consultation with 8 Sector Champion organisations.

Three draft resources have now been produced as a result of these activities:

• MARAM maturity model on a page

• MARAM maturity model roadmap

• Interactive self-assessment and action planner

FSV are now finalising a pilot of the tools led by Principal Strategic Advisors in the Eastern and Goulburn regions and gathering feedback across key departmental and sector stakeholders.

FSV will continue the development of the supporting policy, with release of the Maturity Model anticipated for the end of the 2024 calendar year.

What is the Family Violence Risk Assessment and Management Survey?

The Family Violence Risk Assessment and Management Survey (the survey) is a valuable tool to measure how well employees and leaders in framework organisations understand MARAM, and their responsibilities to assess and manage family violence risk. Family Safety Victoria conducts this survey annually. It was previously known as the MARAM Annual Survey.

The survey is anonymous and voluntary. It helps Family Safety Victoria understand:

• how well different sectors have aligned their policies and practices with MARAM

• whether authorised workforces proactively share information to assess family violence risk and/or promote the safety and wellbeing of children

• how the Victorian Government can better support organisations to align to MARAM and use and understand their information sharing powers

What has been achieved so far?

This year, the survey has been redesigned to capture more information about staff confidence in applying MARAM in their day-to-day work. Where previously only organisational leaders were invited to complete the survey, this year’s survey will be open to employees that respond to family violence risk as part of their role, including by sharing information and referring clients to specialist services.

Organisational leaders, and those who have a role in implementing MARAM and information sharing in their organisation, will also be invited to complete the survey.

The survey will be distributed in mid-June 2024.

What is the five-year evidence review?

The MARAM Framework was established in the Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic) in 2018. The Act requires five-yearly reviews of MARAM (Section 194) to ensure it reflects the current evidence and best practice. The review looks at:

• whether MARAM reflects best practice of family violence risk assessment and risk management

• what changes may be needed.

What has been achieved so far?

The first of these reviews is now complete.

The literature, practice, and design review, led by Allen & Clarke Consulting, examined the Framework and key supporting resources, including victim survivor-focused MARAM Practice Guides and tools published in 2019. It involved consideration of family violence research, best practice, evidence, and consultation with 225 participants from 81 organisations. This included victim survivor advocates, family violence practitioners, academics, specialist and universal services, and government bodies.

The review found that across all sectors, MARAM is considered a valuable resource. It supports a shared understanding of family violence, risk assessment and risk management practices.

The review made 17 recommendations relating to accessibility of the MARAM Practice Guides and assessment tools, improving approaches to risk assessment, and planning and enhancements to recognise experiences of family violence risk across all communities, including children and young people.

The MARAM 5-Year Evidence Review Final Report, Literature Review, and Summary Report are available at MARAM Framework 5-year Evidence Review.

A second part of the evidence review, a data review, is also underway, analysing available data on the evidence-based risk factors. This review is led by Monash University and is scheduled to be completed in 2024.

Why are the Family Violence Capability Frameworks being reviewed?

The Family Violence Prevention and Response Capability Frameworks provide the foundational skill set required to both deliver prevention of family violence and violence against women initiatives and respond to all forms of family violence.

The review is intended to reflect the capability uplift and learnings undertaken since the framework’s original release, including capturing new evidence and best practice, whilst also seeking to establish an implementation approach that clarifies and increases their utility across the workforce. The review will consider the alignment between the prevention and response frameworks, recognising that prevention and response work is distinct but complementary.

What has been achieved so far?

The Centre for Workforce Excellence (CWE) are finalising the draft of the Response Capability Framework, which is planned for release mid-2024.

CWE are continuing work on the revision of the Prevention Capability Framework in collaboration with Safe and Equal and the Prevention sector. The revised Prevention Capability Framework is due for release late 2024, early 2025.

What MARAM tools are in TRAM and SHIP?

Tools for Risk Assessment and Management (TRAM) has been developed by Family Safety Victoria as an online platform for use across the service system. The TRAM platform contains the adult and child victim survivor MARAM risk assessments and safety plan, Comprehensive Adult Using Family Violence assessment tool, Predominant Aggressor Identification tool.

In future it will host the remainder of the MARAM resources, currently in development. This platform is used across The Orange Door network and by several community agencies.

FSV supports new services wanting to adopt the use of TRAM to support their risk assessment and management practice. FSV runs onboarding and training sessions with agency leaders and practitioners on how to use TRAM.

If agencies want to discuss TRAM or adopt its use, please contact the TRAM team at tram@familysafety.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window).

Family Safety Victoria also oversees the development of the MARAM risk assessment and management tools into the Specialist Homelessness Information Platform (SHIP). SHIP contains the adult and child victim survivor MARAM risk assessments and safety plan. MARAM tools in both these online platforms support services in their alignment to MARAM.

What additional MARAM tools are coming to the online platforms?

The Predominant Aggressor Identification Tool will be released into SHIP in the coming months for use by Specialist Family Violence Services. The tool provides a structure to support the accurate identification of the predominant aggressor, using information sharing, direct assessment, and structured analysis. Agencies who use SHIP will be provided with information relating to this release shortly.

FSV are also scoping the addition of the Identification and Intermediate Adults Using Family Violence assessment tools into SHIP.

The TRAM platform is currently undergoing a security upgrade to ensure client information remains secure and confidential. This will also result in a new and cleaner look for TRAM which will be released to The Orange Door and other agencies in June 2024. Training sessions and updated user guidance will be provided to TRAM users in preparation for the release.

Child Protection and Housing tailored to MARAM: Working with adults using family violence (AUFV)- Identification level

Rollout of tailored training packages for Child protection workforces commenced after a successful trial in March 2024. The tailored training packages can be viewed in the Our People portal(opens in a new window).

Tailored delivery for Housing, Reception, Forensic Disability and Complex Needs workforces will commence in August, once training has been completed for clinicians and managers.

MARAM Identifying and responding to financial abuse

South-East Community Links (SECL) is delivering a series of workshops designed for frontline workforces to build confidence in understanding financial abuse in the context of family violence and coercive control. The workshops are available until June 2024. Register for one of the free sessions by filling in the registration form.

New suite of MARAMIS learning and development products

Safe and Equal in collaboration with the MARAMIS implementation team continue to develop three new Learning and Development products aimed to increase DFFH policy and practice leaders’ understanding of Family Violence and how the MARAMIS reforms can be used to help end family violence occurring in Victoria.

The packages are:

• MARAM Leading Alignment: developed for DFFH Executives and Managers to support them to understand their obligations to lead the internal alignment at DFFH.
• MARAM Supporting Alignment: for DFFH workforce leads, policy and project staff to develop a deep understanding of how the MARAM principles, core knowledge and best practice risk assessment and management must be incorporated into their work.
• Information Sharing Schemes (ISS) workshops: developed for DFFH internal staff to develop a deep understanding of the ISS to promote the wellbeing of children and young people under CISS and to assess or manage family violence risk under FVISS.

For further information please email the DFFH information sharing and MARAM implementation team at infosharing@dhhs.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window)

What has been achieved so far?

The Department of Health funds the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare to deliver MARAM training to health workforces. In quarter three the Department of Health supported a collaboration between the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare and the Centre for Mental Health Learning to develop new MARAM training specifically tailored for the mental health and wellbeing workforce. Following input from Specialist Family Violence Advisors in mental health and wellbeing area services, the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare will deliver this new module during quarter four of 2023-24.

The training was designed for all mental health and wellbeing clinicians with intermediate MARAM responsibilities in any role within the mental health and wellbeing sector. The training acknowledges the important role the mental health and wellbeing sector has in responding to people experiencing violence and it aims to:

• build skills in recognising and responding to family violence
• support clinicians to embed skills they already have
• contribute to their understanding of family violence
• build their confidence in undertaking their MARAM responsibilities.

The two-hour training is interactive and delivered online by experienced trainers – including trainers with mental health and wellbeing clinical skills and family violence MARAM expertise. The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare will also deliver the sessions in person onsite at mental health and wellbeing services.

MARAM training sessions are available to book via the The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare website.

For further information contact training@cfecfw.asn.au(opens in a new window)

New Victoria Police strategy for Family Violence, Sexual Offences, and Child Abuse

Across 2023-2024, Victoria Police has been actively engaging across the Victorian Government and with key stakeholders to inform the development of a new Victoria Police strategy for Family Violence, Sexual Offences, and Child Abuse.

Building on the Keeping You Safe: Victoria Police Strategy (2023-2028), the new strategy will set out a five-year plan to support a continued focus on collaborating with all parts of the sector to improve outcomes for victim survivors of family violence, sexual offences, and child abuse. The strategy’s priorities will align to the Family Violence Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management Framework, recognising the crucial role Victoria Police plays as part of a sector-wide effort in preventing and responding to these crimes.

The new strategy is anticipated to be released in the latter part of 2024.