Victorian organisations are required to comply with the Child Safe Standards and the Family Violence Legal Reforms, including the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management (MARAM) Framework and the Information Sharing Schemes. These frameworks place responsibility on healthcare services to identify and respond to child abuse, neglect and family violence.

Northern Health recognises that child abuse and family violence are prevalent and serious health issues that can significantly impact the physical and psychological wellbeing of victim-survivors.

The hospital system has a critical role in responding to these issues by ensuring our patients’ healthcare, safety and wellbeing needs are appropriately addressed. A sensitive and timely response can support disclosure, empower victim-survivors and contribute to improved health and safety outcomes.

Northern Health has implemented a whole-of-hospital approach to child safety and family violence. A whole-of-hospital approach is essential to effectively identify and respond to patients at risk of harm and ensures collaborative, coordinated and consistent practice across the organisation. It also ensures that all staff – both clinical and non-clinical – understand their role and responsibilities under these frameworks. As part of this approach, we have introduced the Child Safe & Family Violence Lead (CSFVL) Initiative across the organisation. CSFVLs are a key component in supporting an integrated response to risk and safety issues for both children and adults.

We aim to identify and assess individuals at risk of harm, support disclosure and ensure access and referral to internal and external specialist services. All disclosures and safety concerns are managed sensitively and in accordance with our organisational policies and procedures. We actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all individuals and respect diverse identities, relationships, cultures and individual rights. We are committed to fostering a trauma-informed, culturally safe and child safe environment.

Child Safe & Family Violence Leads:

Child Safe & Family Violence Leads (CSFVLs) are staff members – both clinical and non-clinical – who are passionate about promoting child safety and responding to family violence in their local areas. This voluntary role is similar to a clinical champion and supports the integration of key frameworks into everyday practice and strengthens our organisational response to risk and safety.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strengthen and support our child safe and family violence-informed culture in your area by acting as a champion for both child safe and family violence practices.
• Act as a source of support, advice and expertise to staff on matters relating to child safety and family violence concerns, providing clear, accurate, and accessible advice and information.
• Contribute to continuous quality improvement and champion trauma-informed and evidence-based practice within your area.
• Encourage staff to remain alert to the needs of children and liaise with your Manager to maintain visibility and awareness of child safety matters.

Tanya Ellis, Strengthening Hospital Response to Family Violence Program Manager, says, “The Child Safe & Family Violence Leads will be an important network of support across Northern Health. Their role is to help promote awareness, encourage sensitive and safe responses to patients at risk of harm and support their team to navigate child safety and family violence concerns. By working together, we continue to strengthen our approach to child safety and family violence and make a meaningful difference to the safety and wellbeing victim-survivors and our community”.

Courtney Lowry, Divisional Director Nursing & Midwifery Women’s & Children’s Services (A/g), says, “Every interaction with a patient is an opportunity to support their safety and wellbeing. The Child Safe & Family Violence Leads Initiative recognises the important role that all staff members have in identifying and responding to child safety and family violence. By establishing a network of Leads, we are creating shared knowledge, stronger connections and a more coordinated approach to supporting patients and families”.

Pictured in featured image: 

Tanya Ellis (SHRFV Program Manager), Courtney Lowry (Divisional Director Nursing & Midwifery Women’s & Children’s Services A/g), Seda Kiroglu (Operations Director Women’s and Children’s Services A/g), Simone Jervies, Alecia Caddy, Michelle Meyer (Nurse Unit Manages) and Laura Chiminello (Senior Social Worker).