Family Support Program
Family and Children’s Services
Part C: Specialist Services
Family Support Program Guidelines
Version V1.2 – February 2012
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Preface
The Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and
Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA or the Department) has a suite of Program Guidelines which
provide information relating to the Family Support Program (the Program). They provide the
key starting point for parties considering whether to participate in the Program and form the
basis for the business relationship between FaHCSIA and the funding recipient.
They are:
-
Part A: Program Guidelines which provides an overview of the Program and the Activities
relating to the program.
-
Part B: Information for Applicants which provides information on the Application,
Assessment, Eligibility, Selection and Complaints processes; and Financial and Funding
Agreement arrangements.
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Part C: Application Information provides specific information on the Activity, Selection
Criteria, Performance Management and Reporting. This part should be read in conjunction
with the Terms and Conditions – Standard Funding Agreement.
-
The Application Form which is completed by applicants applying for funding during a
selection process.
FaHCSIA reserves the right to amend these documents from time to time by whatever means it
may determine in its absolute discretion and will provide reasonable notice of these
amendments.
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Version Control
Document Version
Amendments
V1.1
 Performance Framework, Data Collection, Research and
Evaluation: The Performance Framework
Date
December 2011
Document Version
Amendments
V1.2
 2.8 Information technology – FSP Data System
 2.10 Activity performance and reporting
Date
February 2012
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Table of Contents
1
PROGRAM OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................................. 5
1.1
1.2
2
ACTIVITY OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................................. 6
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
2.10
3
PROGRAM OUTCOMES .................................................................................................................................. 5
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................. 5
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................. 6
PARTICIPANTS/CLIENTS/RECIPIENTS/TARGET GROUP ................................................................................... 7
FUNDING FOR THE ACTIVITY ........................................................................................................................ 7
ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES .................................................................................................................................... 8
FEES ............................................................................................................................................................. 8
ACTIVITY LINKS AND WORKING WITH OTHER AGENCIES AND SERVICES ....................................................... 8
SPECIALIST REQUIREMENTS (E.G. LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS)................................................................. 8
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ........................................................................................................................ 9
PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND EVALUATION ........................................................................................ 9
ACTIVITY PERFORMANCE AND REPORTING................................................................................................... 9
APPLICATION PROCESS ............................................................................................................................ 10
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
OVERVIEW OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS ................................................................................................ 10
SELECTION CRITERIA ................................................................................................................................. 10
HOW TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION .............................................................................................................. 10
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS DURING THE APPLICATION PERIOD .................................................................. 11
QUESTIONS AFTER THE APPLICATION PERIOD ............................................................................................. 11
CLOSING DATE AND TIME ........................................................................................................................... 11
APPLICATION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .......................................................................................................... 11
4
SPECIAL CONDITIONS APPLYING TO THIS ACTIVITY .................................................................... 11
5
CONTACT INFORMATION ......................................................................................................................... 11
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1 Program Overview
The Australian Government helps to support families, particularly vulnerable and disadvantaged
families, to improve child development, safety and family functioning through the provision of
integrated support services.
The Family Support Program (FSP) funds a range of non-government organisations to provide
preventative and early intervention services, support focussing on family relationships, and
parenting and family law services to help navigate life's transitions and to help families who are
vulnerable to poor outcomes to build their resources and capabilities to enable more positive
family functioning.
The FSP provides broad-based services that complement other Australian Government
programs such as family payments and child care. The FSP also provides more intensive
assistance in disadvantaged areas that complements the important roles of other programs and
agencies, including the statutory responsibility for child protection held by state and territory
governments.
The FSP comprises the following two streams:
The Family and Children’s Services stream aims to provide services to families, particularly
those who are vulnerable, disadvantaged or in disadvantaged communities to improve family
functioning, safety and child wellbeing and development.
The Family Law Services stream aims to provide alternatives to formal legal processes for
families who are separated, separating or in dispute to improve their relationships in the best
interests of children. These services are funded through the Attorney-General’s Department.
1.1
Program Outcomes
All FSP services work towards the following objective:

To provide integrated services for families, particularly vulnerable and disadvantaged
families, to improve child wellbeing and development, safety and family functioning.
To achieve this, the following five outcomes are relevant1:





1.2
Families function well in nurturing and safe environments;
Children and families have the knowledge and skills for life and learning;
Families, including children, especially those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged,
benefit from better social inclusion and reduced disadvantage;
Organisations provide integrated services and work in collaboration with other services
and the community; and
Services focus on vulnerable and disadvantaged families and children.
Aims and objectives
The FSP aims to provide integrated services for families, particularly vulnerable and
disadvantaged families, to improve child wellbeing and development, safety and family
functioning, and to help build stronger, more resilient families and communities. To achieve this
aim, FSP services must have an emphasis on family, be child focussed and work as part of a
collaborative service delivery system with links across FSP providers and the broader sector to
provide an integrated suite of local services. For more information refer to Part A of the Family
Support Program Guidelines Section 1.2 Program Aims and Objectives.
1
These outcomes have been developed with reference to a range of documents, including the FaHCSIA Portfolio Budget Statement; Protecting
Children is Everyone’s Business – The National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2009-2020; Investing in the Early Years – A National
Early Childhood Development Strategy; Time for Action – The National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children 2009-2021; The
National Compact – Working Together Between the Commonwealth and the Non-profit Sector; Closing the Gap; and The Social Inclusion Agenda.
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2 Activity Overview
Specialist Services consist of the following three activities:

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Specialised Family Violence Services (SFVS);
Kids in Focus – Family Drug Support (KIF); and
Family Relationship Services for Humanitarian Entrants (FRSHE).
Specialised Family Violence Services use a whole-of-family approach to support those
affected by family violence (including children who experience or witness family violence).
Specialised Family Violence Services also help individuals who exhibit violent behaviour to
change. Specialised Family Violence Services consider the individual needs of each family
member and provides assistance and referral to complementary services as appropriate.
Kids in Focus - Family Drug Support is an early intervention, family-focused component of the
wider National Drug Strategy (the Strategy). The Strategy consists of a range of other measures
implemented through the Health, Justice and Customs portfolios and is administered by the
Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing. This service is specifically directed towards
family support rather than the health, education or criminal aspects of the Strategy. Services aim
to assist families, including parents, grandparents, kinship carers and children of substance using
parents, by taking an early intervention and family-focused approach to dealing with the impacts
of substance misuse on families.
Family Relationship Services for Humanitarian Entrants conduct intensive and culturally
appropriate work directly with individuals and families that have entered Australia under the
Humanitarian Entry Program. This service offers a range of prevention and early intervention
family relationship services to respond to pressures that undermine family stability and help
consumers of this service to settle into a new life in Australia.
2.1
Aims and objectives
Specialised Family Violence Services aim to assist clients and their families achieve and
maintain positive family relationships, supporting the safety of all individuals affected by family
violence. Services work with clients and their families to ensure that each member receives the
care they need, whether that is within the service or a different support service. Clients and
families can access:




Individual or couple counselling;
Education for individuals who use violent or abusive behaviour;
Support for individuals affected by family violence; and
Support for children who experience or witness family violence.
Kids in Focus - Family Drug Support aims to improve outcomes for children in families with
substance misuse problems by providing integrated, long term and intensive support to
vulnerable and disadvantaged families and children.
Supporting families with substance problems means supporting parents to parent more
effectively and overcome their substance misuse as well as supporting children by normalising
their lives. Successful support to these families is integrated, long term and intensive and the
structure of the refocused Kids in Focus - Family Drug Support reflects this need.
To achieve these goals, Kids in Focus - Family Drug Support focuses on supporting families
with alcohol and other drug problems by:



Providing intensive support services within the community to families, including parents /
carers and children dealing with substance using parents;
Providing support for parents to parent more effectively and overcome their substance
misuse;
Supporting children by normalising their lives (school, sport, and other regular routines)
and building resilience;
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

Providing targeted counselling and intervention through the child protection system
where necessary; and
Supporting other FSP services to identify and support children disadvantaged.
Family Relationship Services for Humanitarian Entrants services aim to address the needs
of individuals and families entering Australia under the Humanitarian Entrants Program. Family
Relationship Services for Humanitarian Entrants assist clients to learn a new way of life while
sustaining their culture and beliefs. Services help clients understand different values and
customs, and the roles family members may have in their new country.
2.2
Participants/clients/recipients/target group
Specialist Services providers are required to offer a tailored and coordinated approach within
their suite of services (or in co-operation with other organisations in the broader service system)
to be responsive to individual client needs.
Specialised Family Violence Services and Kids in Focus - Family Drug Support services
are available to communities, families and clients who are experiencing high and complex
needs (such as mental health, drug and alcohol issues, and family violence) and require more
access to intensive support.
Family Relationship Services for Humanitarian Entrants services are provided to families
who have entered Australia under the Humanitarian Entry Program. Services are available to
adults, young people, parents and their children. Services aim to address the needs of each
family member.
Indigenous clients represent a specific target group because of the Australian Government’s
commitment to close the gap in Indigenous disadvantage. Closing the Gap is a national priority
and progress towards achievement of the six Closing the Gap targets is being monitored by the
Council of Australian Governments (COAG).
Service providers delivering services on behalf of the Government are therefore required to
ensure Indigenous Australians are a priority consideration in the development and delivery of
their services.
2.3
Funding for the activity
The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) has
overall responsibility for Specialist Services.
Where the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
(FaHCSIA) has invited applications for funding, the final decision about Activity Delivery Areas,
sites and proposals for service delivery will be made by the Minister.
Most of the funding is for a period of two or more years. State or Territory FaHCSIA officers
negotiate funding agreements in consultation with preferred applicants based on the outcomes
of selection processes.
Activity Delivery Areas or catchment areas designated within the funding agreement must not
change without prior written agreement from FaHCSIA.
FaHCSIA may at its discretion facilitate flexible funding in circumstances where service
providers:


Have met requirements for specific groups within a specified area; and
Wish to reallocate all or part of any remaining funds to another activity they are funded to
deliver in another Activity Delivery Area under the same funding agreement.
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2.4
Eligible activities
The providers of Specialised Family Violence Services, Kids in Focus - Family Drug
Support and Family Relationship Services for Humanitarian Entrants deliver activities from
the following suite of services. Development and delivery of services may be based on the
particular target groups / areas of needs:








Information and Referral;
Support;
Education and Skills Training;
Counselling;
Outreach;
Dispute Resolution Services; (Specialised Family Violence Services only)
Brokerage; and (Kids in Focus - Family Drug Support only); or
Telephone Support (Kids in Focus - Family Drug Support only)
For definitions on eligible activities, please see Part A of the Family Support Program
Guidelines Section 6 - Program Glossary.
2.5
Fees
Specialised Family Violence Services are, at the service provider’s discretion permitted to
charge fees. While Specialised Family Violence Services providers may charge fees, clients
must not be refused service or referred to other organisations on the basis of their incapacity to
pay fees.
Where fees are charged, service providers must:
 Publically display their fees policy; and
 Inform clients of their fees policy.
Kids in Focus - Family Drug Support and Family Relationship Services for Humanitarian
Entrants services must be provided free of charge. Fees must not be charged for nonattendance to free of charge service.
2.6
Activity links and working with other agencies and services
Effective links with other agencies and services provide the opportunity to raise awareness
broadly and on specific issues. Specialist Service providers must build and maintain effective
relationships with a broad network of services.
Specialist Service providers must collaborate with other FSP providers, local schools and
governments, community groups, and other organisations that support the community.
Kids in Focus - Family Drug Support services must also provide telephone support to other
FSP providers to assist them to support and identify children disadvantaged where alcohol and
other drugs issues are present.
2.7
Specialist requirements (e.g. Legislative requirements)
Providers of Specialist Services must comply with all relevant Commonwealth legislation,
including:



The Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) in performing the obligations outlined in the Funding
Agreement;
The Copyright Act 1968 (the Act) in regards to undertaking the activity; and
The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Commonwealth) (FOI Act).
Providers of Specialist Services must also comply with all relevant State and Territory
legislation.
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2.8
Information technology
Specialist Services providers must have systems in place to allow them to meet their data
collection and reporting obligations.
Most performance information (e.g. client characteristics and service usage) from Specialised
Family Violence Services, Kids in Focus - Family Drug Support and Family Relationship
Services for Humanitarian Entrants is collected by service providers and entered directly into
the FSP Data System. The FSP Data System is a secure web-based application accessed
through the internet. The FSP Data System enables:

FaHCSIA to monitor and generate reports on service provider performance, and allow
service providers to interrogate their own data and compare it against national
benchmarks.
Service providers may also be required to collect additional data items through the FSP Data
System.
For more information on the FSP Data System please see Part A of the Family Support
Program Guidelines Section 6 - Program Glossary. The FSP Data System protocols are
available at www.fahcsia.gov.au.
2.9
Performance management and evaluation
Service providers are encouraged to undertake internal evaluations of their own accord in order
to promote quality service delivery. FaHCSIA periodically undertakes evaluations and reviews
to ensure services are high quality, effective, efficient and appropriately targeted to the needs of
children and their families. FaHCSIA will notify funding recipients of:





The intention to conduct an evaluation;
The purpose of the evaluation;
Who is conducting the evaluation;
The time frame in which it is to be conducted; and
Any involvement sought from the service provider.
Further information on performance management and evaluation is available in Part A of the
Family Support Program Guidelines Section 4.2 Research and evaluation.
2.10 Activity performance and reporting
The purpose of the Performance Framework (Framework) is to define a consistent approach to
monitoring and reporting performance across the FSP – drawing on a common set of high-level
results and performance indicators.
The FSP Framework was implemented from July 2011. The Framework asks four key
questions about service delivery:

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

Did we make a lasting difference? (intermediate outcomes/impacts);
Did we make an immediate difference? (immediate outcomes/impacts);
How well have we done it? (service delivery quality); and
How much did we do? (service outputs).
Much of the data required under the Framework is collected from the providers of Specialist
Services through the FSP Data System. Collection of new data where required will be phased
in and some data may be collected through occasional surveys.
For more information on performance and reporting requirements the service provider should
refer to the funding agreement and the Family Support Program Performance Framework
Service Provider Help Guide available at www.fahcsia.gov.au.
Further information on performance management and evaluation is available in Part A of the
Family Support Program Guidelines Section 4.2 Research and evaluation.
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3 Application Process
3.1
Overview of the Application Process
At present there are no selection processes for Specialist Services. Selection processes will be
either open, restricted, direct, renew or expression of interest at the discretion of FaHCSIA.
More information on the types of selection processes can be found in Part B of the Family
Support Program Guidelines ‘Information for Applicants’. The next selection process for
Specialist Services is likely to an open selection process.
FaHCSIA will assess applicants for funding primarily on the basis of the information provided in
the Application Form. FaHCSIA may use information about an applicant that is, or becomes
known to FaHCSIA in the course of FaHCSIA’s business, as well as any publicly available
information.
Decisions on the parameters and methodology for assessment of applications will be final.
Following the application Closing Date, the Department will assess all applications. Applications
will be assessed using the following criteria.
3.2
Selection Criteria
3.2.1
Appropriateness of the proposed service delivery model to the aims and
objectives of the activity
The service model proposed:
 Is evidence informed and outcomes focused;
 Provides for ongoing assessment and review to ensure the activities being
undertaken continue to achieve the desired outcomes for the full period of the
funding agreement;
 Demonstrates an awareness of the specific needs of the target group and or
the community in which the service is to be delivered; and
 Provides for linkages and collaboration with other organisations and service
providers.
3.2.2
Organisational Capability
The organisation has a proven track record or demonstrated capability in providing
quality and culturally competent services for families and children.
The organisation has a credible record of good governance, efficient service
delivery and effective stakeholder relationship management and a sound record for
collaboration.
The organisation engages with the community when planning and delivering
services.
3.2.3
Qualification of Service Delivery Staff
Employees of the organisation are appropriately skilled and competent to
undertake the required work. Where appropriate and required, the organisation
invests in training, development and employment of Indigenous workers.
3.2.4
Management Capability
The organisation will work with FaHCSIA to ensure the agreed activity meets the
objectives, with demonstrated ability to manage, deliver and report on the project.
3.3
How to submit an application
To apply for selection under this process, applicants will need to complete the application form
and respond to selection criteria as detailed above. Applications must be received by the
closing date and time.
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The Department will not issue Application Forms or accept completed applications by fax.
3.4
Questions and Answers during the Application period
The Department will only respond to requests for information that seek clarification of issues to
allow them to better understand the requirements of the Application Form and Application
Guidelines.
3.5
Questions after the application period
The Department will not accept or respond to any applicant’s requests for information or
correspondence about the status or progress of their application during the assessment phase.
3.6
Closing date and time
At present there are no selection processes for Specialist Services.
3.7
Application Acknowledgement
Unless prior agreement has been reached with FaHCSIA an application will not be considered
lodged until it is received by FaHCSIA. The applicant will receive email notification from
FaHCSIA within 24 hours of an application being lodged correctly. If the applicant has not
received notification in this timeframe, the applicant should contact FaHCSIA to confirm that the
form has been lodged correctly.
4 Special Conditions applying to this Activity
There are no special conditions that apply to Specialist Services.
5 Contact information
Family Support Program Branch
Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
AE3 Tuggeranong Office Park
PO Box 7576
CANBERRA BUSINESS CENTRE ACT 2600
Website:
www.fahcsia.gov.au
Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
1300 653 227
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