Department of Healthand Human Services

Policy and FundingGuidelines 2017Volume 3: Human Services Policy and Funding Plan2015–19, update 2017–18

Chapter 3: Operational and program policies

Department of Healthand Human Services

Policy and FundingGuidelines 2017Volume 3: Human Services Policy and Funding Plan 2015–19, update 2017–18

Chapter 3: Operational and program policies

To receive this publication in an accessible format phone 9096 2742, using the National Relay Service 13 36 77 if required, or email Service Agreement Communications <sacomms@dhhs.vic.gov.au>.

Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.

© State of Victoria, Department of Health and Human Services, July 2017.

Where the term ‘Aboriginal’ is used it refers to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Indigenous is retained when it is part of the title of a report, program or quotation.

ISSN 2207-8347 (online)

Available on the department’s website <https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/policy-and-funding-guidelines>

Contents

How to use Volume 3 of the Policy and Funding Guidelines................................................................6

Chapter 3: Operational and program policies........................................................................................7

Operational policies................................................................................................................................. 73.1 Applicable Departmental Policies in the Service Agreement................................................................7

3.2 Operational policies and legislation......................................................................................................8

Program policies....................................................................................................................................... 83.3 Disability services output group............................................................................................................8

3.4 Child protection and family services output group..............................................................................13

3.5 Housing assistance output group........................................................................................................17

3.6 Concessions output group.................................................................................................................. 21

3.7 Empowering individuals and communities output group.....................................................................22

How to use Volume 3 of the Policy and Funding Guidelines The Department of Health and Human Services Policy and Funding Guidelines is published in three volumes. It is available online as separate volumes and chapters in Word format for greater accessibility.

• Volume 1: Departmental objectives • Volume 2: Health operations 2017–18• Volume 3: Human Services Policy and Funding Plan 2015–19, update 2017–18

Overview of Volume 3: Human Services Policy and Funding Plan 2015–19, update 2017–18 Volume 3: Human Services Policy and Funding Plan 2015–19, update 2017–18, has four chapters. The chapters are available online at department’s website <https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/policy-and-funding-guidelines> and are as follows:

• Chapter 1: Overview and key initiatives • Chapter 2: Human services output budget information and unit prices • Chapter 3: Operational and program policies • Chapter 4: Activity descriptions

The activity descriptions are available as separate documents. They provide the business requirements for funding received via the Service Agreement.

Handy hints for searching onlineThere are some changes to activity names and numbers. All funded organisations should refer to their Service Agreement for the number and name of activities they are funded to provide.

RevisionsPlease note that revisions to activity descriptions or to chapters (for instance to reflect an updated Equal Remuneration Order unit price) may occur during the year. These changes are reflected in the footer as a revision number.

How to search for informationThe online search functionality displays activities for a specific output group, output, or individual activity by name or number.

You can:

• display all activities for an output group or output by selecting from the list

• search for an activity by its name or number by typing into the search field

• limit your search to a single output group or output by selecting an option from the list

• type the first three digits of an activity number to display results by number

• type at least one word of an activity name to show results for activities that match the word/s typed

• use the search button without entering any selections if you want to see a list of all activities.

Page 6 Volume 3: Chapter 3 (July 2017)

Chapter 3: Operational and program policies

Operational policies

3.1 Applicable Departmental Policies in the Service Agreement The Service Agreement is used to manage funding from the department to organisations for service delivery. It sets out the key obligations, objectives, rights, and responsibilities of the organisation delivering services and the department providing funding to the organisation.

Organisations with a Service Agreement are required to comply with the Applicable Departmental Policies in Schedule 1 of the Service Agreement, including complying with the Service Agreement Information Kit.

The Service Agreement Information Kit provides organisations funded by the Department of Health and Human Services with information on the terms and conditions of the Service Agreement. It includes key Applicable Departmental Policies for funded organisations in Chapter 4. Departmental policies, procedures and initiatives <http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/facs/bdb/fmu/service-agreement/4.departmental-policies-procedures-and-initiatives> as follows:

• Fire risk management • Asbestos risk management guidelines • Incident reporting • Responding to allegations of physical or sexual assault • Compliment and complaint management • Safety screening for funded organisations• Occupational health and safety • WorkCover • Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities • Funded organisation performance monitoring framework • Climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability • Language services • Improving inclusion and access for Aboriginal people and communities• Multiple and complex needs initiative • With respect to age - 2009 (elder abuse prevention practice guidelines) • Vulnerable people in emergencies • Emergency preparedness clients and services policies• Asset management accountability framework• Carers Recognition Act • Hoarding and squalor resources• Child safe standards• Fraud and Corruption Prevention Framework• Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality Policy.

Policy documents relating only to the Department of Education and Training are also contained in the Service Agreement Information Kit. These policies are not included in the list above.

Volume 3: Chapter 3 (July 2017) Page 7

3.2 Operational policies and legislationIndividual organisations need to refer to their own Service Agreement and the Department of Health and Human Services Policy and Funding Guidelines 2017 activity descriptions (which can be searched online) for details about policies, standards and guidelines specific to the services they are funded to deliver. Organisations are required to comply with these service standards, policies and guidelines.

Organisations can access their current Service Agreement via the Funded Agency Channel website <http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/funded-agency-channel/home>.

Program policies

3.3 Disability services output group

3.3.1 Disability services policy context

Legislation and policies

The legislative and policy framework for disability services includes:

• the Disability Act 2006 which commenced on 1 July 2007, amended 2014• the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013• the Carers Recognition Act 2012• the Victorian Charter of Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006• the Department of Health and Human Services Human Services Standards• Absolutely everyone. Victoria’s state disability plan 2017-2020.

The national and international policy framework in which disability services operates includes:

• the Intergovernmental Agreement on Federal Financial Relations and the National Disability Agreement, which came into operation on 1 January 2009

• Australia’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2008 and subsequent ratification of the Operational Protocol in August 2009

• the National Disability Strategy, which came into effect in 2011.

The Disability Act 2006

The Disability Act 2006 (the Disability Act) commenced on 1 July 2007 and provides for:

• a stronger whole-of-government, whole-of-community response to the rights and needs of people with a disability

• a framework for the provision of high-quality services and supports for people with a disability.

The Disability Act has a number of objectives including:

• promoting and protecting the rights of people accessing disability services• advancing the inclusion and participation in the community of people with a disability• making disability service providers accountable to people accessing their services.

The Disability Act is supported by the Disability Regulations 2007, which provide additional requirements for disability service providers in relation to the management of money, approvals to use restrictive interventions and compulsory treatment, and visits by Community Visitors.

Policies, guidelines and implementation guides have been developed in key areas of the Disability Act, including access, planning, complaints, residential rights and restrictive interventions. The Disability Act

Page 8 Volume 3: Chapter 3 (July 2017)

requires that information provided to people with a disability, as defined under the Disability Act, is conveyed in a way the person is most likely to understand. If the person with a disability cannot understand the information, it can be given to another person of their choosing who can assist them with understanding their rights. These requirements are outlined in the Provision of Information policy that is contained in the Disabililty policy and information manual <http://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/publications/disability-policy-and-information-manual>.

To assist in facilitating the provision of accessible information, the department has developed a range of templates for use by disability service providers. This includes templates for information that must be provided when a person commences a service, such as the residential statement. This information is available on the department's Disability Act 2006 webpage <http://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/publications/disability-act-2006-information>.

Carers Recognition Act 2012

The Carers Recognition Act commenced on 1 July 2012, and sets out the obligation to raise awareness and understanding of the care relationship principles as set out in the Carers Recognition Act 2012, and obligations for organisations covered by the Carers Recognition Act 2012. Relevant organisations are required to report annually on their compliance against these obligations. Specific requirements can be found in sections 5, 11 and 12 of the Carers Recognition Act 2012.

Intergovernmental Agreement on Federal Financial Relations

The current framework for Australia’s federal financial relations was agreed by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in November 2008 and commenced in January 2009. The objective of the federal financial relations framework is to improve the quality and effectiveness of government services. It seeks to do so by providing clarity about who is responsible for the delivery of those services, flexibility in the delivery of services and increased accountability to the public, as well as by providing incentives for reform.

The framework is underpinned by the Intergovernmental Agreement on Federal Financial Relations, which provides for collaboration on policy development and service delivery and facilitates the implementation of economic and social reforms in areas of national interest <http://www.federalfinancialrelations.gov.au/content/intergovernmental_agreements.aspx>.

National Disability Insurance Scheme

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a once-in-a-generation reform that will change the way support and services are provided to Victorians with disability.

The NDIS is being implemented progressively over three years in Victoria from 1 July 2016. At full scheme (July 2019), over 105,000 Victorians will be supported by the scheme. Key features of the NDIS include:

• a lifetime approach based on insurance principles, investing early to improve outcomes later in life• people determine the level of control they want - individually attached funding and choosing support

and service providers• effective interface with mainstream and community supports, central to the sustainability of the

scheme.

National Disability Agreement

The National Disability Agreement (the Agreement) is a high-level agreement between the Australian and state and territory governments for the provision of disability services for people with a disability. It features clear roles and responsibilities for each level of government and joins these efforts together through nationally agreed objectives and outcomes for people with a disability, their families and carers.

Volume 3: Chapter 3 (July 2017) Page 9

The Agreement sets out the responsibility of the Australian Government to provide income support and employment services for people with a disability. It is the role of the states and territories to deliver specialist disability services such as disability supported accommodation, and respite and community support services such as therapy, early childhood interventions, life skills and case management. These responsibilities remain in place prior to the full rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

The Agreement contributes to the following outcomes, which are reflected in the department’s strategic directions:

• people with a disability achieve economic participation and social inclusion• people with a disability enjoy choice, wellbeing and the opportunity to live as independently as

possible• families and carers are well supported.

As a party to the Agreement, the Victorian Government is responsible for the:

• provision of specialist disability services (except disability employment services) in a manner which most effectively meets the needs of people with a disability, their families and carers, consistent with local needs and priorities, including:– regulation, service quality and assurance– assessment– policy development– service planning– workforce and sector development

• ensuring legislation and regulations are aligned with the national policy and reform directions• where appropriate, investing in initiatives to support nationally agreed policy priorities, in consultation

with the Australian Government.

Funding for this Agreement is provided through the National Disability Specific Purpose Payment. The National Disability Agreement can be found at <http://www.federalfinancialrelations.gov.au/content/national_agreements.aspx>.

The National Disability Strategy 2010-2020

The National Disability Strategy 2010-2020 provides a 10-year national policy framework for improving life for Australians with a disability, their families and carers. It represents a commitment by all levels of government, industry and the community to a unified, national approach to policy and program development.

Action taken under the strategy to improve the accessibility of mainstream services for people with a disability will complement specialist disability services and programs currently provided by Commonwealth, state and territory governments, including those provided through the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

The strategy’s second national implementation plan includes:

• actions to drive improvements across mainstream systems• opportunities for enhanced reporting arrangements to better measure progress• a more coordinated approach to communicating the strategy• a focus on specific topics and/or cohorts of people to drive practical change.

In addition, it includes actions designed to reinvigorate the strategy across agencies at each level of government through new and enhanced communication activities and the establishment of a series of targeted solution-focused workshops to advise and inform future activity.

Page 10 Volume 3: Chapter 3 (July 2017)

Absolutely everyone. Victoria’s state disability plan 2017-2020

Absolutely everyone is the state disability plan 2017–2020 for the whole of the Victorian Government. We are committing to a range of actions for achieving greater inclusion, in partnership with the community.

The plan tackles the negative attitudes and barriers that more than one million Victorians with a disability deal with on a daily basis.

The plan sets out the priorities and actions for achieving inclusion under four key pillars:

• inclusive communities• health, housing and wellbeing• fairness and safety• contributing lives.

The plan focuses on key areas to drive change such as adopting a universal design approach, changing attitudes, increasing access to affordable housing, public transport, schools and jobs. We are also ensuring that people with a disability are able to make the most of the NDIS through a series of actions. These include working with communities to identify and address barriers to participation.

3.3.2 Disability services - priorities

National Disability Insurance Scheme

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is being rolled out progressively in Victoria over a three-year period between July 2016 and 2019 following a three-year trial of the scheme in the Barwon area. By 2019–20, the NDIS will provide individualised supports to over 105,000 Victorians with significant and permanent disability, ensuring people with a disability, their families and carers have the lifetime support they need.

The transition to full scheme is being implemented on a staged geographical basis with capacity to bring in clients with urgent support needs or on waitlists early at a statewide level.

In 2016-17 the NDIS in Victoria was operating in Barwon, North East Melbourne, Central Highlands and Loddon areas.

In 2017-18 the scale and pace of transition will escalate with the NDIS operating in seven new areas: Ovens Murray, Inner Gippsland, Wimmera South West, Inner Eastern Melbourne, Outer Eastern Melbourne, Hume Moreland and Bayside Peninsula.

At full scheme Victoria will contribute $2.5 billion per annum, and the Commonwealth around $2.6 billion per annum.

Victoria is continuing to work with all governments and the National Disability Insurance Agency on this major reform of the disability services sector. This work includes how and when existing eligible clients transition to the NDIS, improving the quality of services and supports for participants, supporting the sector, our operational divisions and the disability workforce, and taking actions to develop the NDIS market.

Investment in services and supports in areas other than the trial site will continue across the state to improve the quality of life of Victorians with a disability and their carers and families.

Further information on the NDIS, including the Barwon trial, and associated projects can be found at the department’s website < http://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/publications/ndis-information >.

Volume 3: Chapter 3 (July 2017) Page 11

3.3.3 Disability services policy context

Access to disability services

Accessing disability services is based on the Disability Act 2006 (the Disability Act). Policy and processes are contained in the department’s access policy.

The disability service system provides supports for people with a disability that complements supports available to all members of the community through the generic service system which includes hospitals, housing, recreation, leisure and general community supports.

In some circumstances, a person with a disability may have needs that could be better supported in the community through the mainstream service system.

To access disability services a person must:

• have a disability as defined by the Disability Act• be considered a priority for access to services• meet program-specific needs (where required).

For people who require services provided by the disability service system, there is often greater demand for supports than resources available. Where it has been determined that the needs of a person with a disability, as defined by the Disability Act, can best be met by the disability service system, the capacity for the system to respond must also be considered by determining their priority for access to services. Please refer to the department’s Access Policy < http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/about-the-department/documents-and-resources/policies,-guidelines-and-legislation/access-policy-disability-services>.

Self-directed approaches

The Disability Act is guided by principles that disability services should maximise the choice and independence of people with a disability, be flexible and responsive to individual needs and advance inclusion and participation of people with a disability. Self-directed approaches enable people with a disability to identify, design and oversee the support and resources they require. They aim to ensure supports and resources are provided based on people’s needs, goals, lifestyle choices and aspirations. Self-directed approaches comprise three connected elements: planning, funding and supports.

Strengthened self-directed planning framework

As part of the reorientation of disability supports, the department developed and trialled a strengthened self-directed planning model in 2009–11 to support people with a disability to identify their goals and needs. In addition, a package of informal and generic supports was developed in response to the needs of people with a disability, their families and carers. The department is continuing to strengthen self-directed planning to respond to the needs of people with a disability.

Planning for diversity

It is expected that all services delivered directly by the department or through community service organisations are culturally appropriate and relevant to the diversity of people with a disability living in all Victorian communities.

Developing, implementing and monitoring culturally competent and inclusive disability services involves an understanding of the diverse make-up of the community as well as the integration of culturally competent governance, planning and practice across all aspects of the organisation.

Page 12 Volume 3: Chapter 3 (July 2017)

Senior practitioner physical restraint direction paper

The Senior practitioner physical restraint direction paper applies to all registered disability service providers defined in the Disability Act when a disability service is provided to a person, including children and young people. The Office of the Senior Practitioner provides advice and consultation to disability service providers on the implementation of the direction and in applying to the Senior Practitioner – Disability for a planned emergency response.

The Senior practitioner physical restraint direction paper is available at <http://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/publications/physical-restraint-direction-paper-senior-practitioner>.

Improving Aboriginal community access and inclusion Aboriginal outcomes

It is important to consider how culturally relevant the planning and delivery of services and supports are for Aboriginal people with a disability and their families. Organisations need to be aware of the positive and inclusive approaches that can be used to engage Aboriginal people with a disability and their families.

Working in partnership with local Aboriginal communities through Aboriginal organisations, Elders and people with a disability and their families is central to building a culturally competent disability service. Consideration should also be given to creating supportive and welcoming environments where Aboriginal people with a disability and their families feel culturally safe. For more information please refer to Enabling choice for Aboriginal people living with disability – promoting access and inclusion <http://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/publications/enabling-choice-for-aboriginal-people-living-with-disability>.

Disability leasing model

The Disability leasing model (DLM) applies to supported accommodation and respite houses for residents with a disability (as defined by the Disability Act 2006) that are owned by the Secretary to the Department of Health and Human Services and managed by a funded organisation who provides support to residents.

The Disability leasing model was established to ensure that these houses are appropriately maintained to provide suitable accommodation for residents and a safe working environment for staff. <http://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/publications/disability-leasing-model-for-community-service-organisations>.

3.4 Child protection and family services output group The department designs policies and program initiatives that support high quality service delivery for child protection, out-of-home care and disability forensics. It also designs and oversees services that intervene early with vulnerable children, young people and their families to prevent the need for statutory intervention. It supports the design, development and review of early intervention and secondary services, as well as specialised statutory services in the areas of family and early parenting services, youth support services, child protection, out-of-home care and disability forensics.

In addition, the department supports services that aim to improve the safety and wellbeing of women and children experiencing violence. These include support services for women and children experiencing family violence and sexual assault, and services for men who use violence against women and children

3.4.1 Policy and legislative context

Out-of-home care

The department has a key role in ensuring children are safe and well cared for. Where the risk of harm (including cumulative harm) is assessed as too great for children to remain living at home with parents, Child Protection may need to issue a protection application and seek an order of the Children’s Court to place a child in out-of-home care to ensure their safety and wellbeing while problems are addressed.

Volume 3: Chapter 3 (July 2017) Page 13

The out-of-home care service system aims to provide safe and stable placements for children and young people who are required to live in out-of-home care.

The Out-of-home Care unit within the Community Services Programs and Design division:

• supports the design, planning and implementation of existing and new models of residential, home-based and out-of-home care support services that are consistent with changing client needs and profiles

• supports improved out-of-home care practices for children placed in out-of-home care or at risk of entering care, through the development and review of operational polices, practice guidelines and tools

• implements reforms to the out-of-home care system and ensures the effective operation of a range of support services

• collaborates and co-designs with out-of-home care service providers, and peak bodies at a statewide level, for the delivery of out-of-home care services

• develops guidelines, policies and programs for the out-of-home care system, including home-based care and local and overseas adoption and permanent care, and design and implement the redevelopment of the adoption and permanent care service system.

Key developments to out-of-home care

The department is currently developing a number of key funded initiatives in regard to out-of-home care including:

• targeted care packages which are an allocation of funding attached to a specific child based on an assessment of that child’s needs. There are two groups of children and young people eligible for targeted care packages:– those at risk of entering residential care– those currently in residential care

• enhancing the skills and capabilities of residential care staff through implementation of a minimum qualification from the end of 2017

• improving foster care retention activities to provide carers with additional supports and resources to assist in carrying out their important role and improve their carer experience

• improving the sexual health of children and young people in out-of-home care• foster and kinship carer capacity building and recruitment and kinship care case contracting• improving supports and resources for kinship carers• residential out-of-home care properties are being renewed or replaced so that they are fit for purpose• transitioning all residential care targets to complex• individualised family preservation packages will give at-risk families the support and services in which

they need to address concerns about the exposure of children being at risk of abuse or neglect. Aboriginal children and young people are a priority group for these packages. The packages both support the reunification of children with their parents and assist at risk families to stay together.

• an out-of-home care trial in the South Division to test a multi-faceted approach to reducing reliance on residential care, evidence-based model for foster care, mentoring and learning and support program and redeveloping residential care services towards a contemporary treatment model that provides better support for young people.

Page 14 Volume 3: Chapter 3 (July 2017)

Family violence

The department funds services to support women and children who experience family violence and/or sexual assault. In addition, the department funds services to assist men with a history of violent and abusive behaviour towards family members to develop non-abusive behaviours and new relationship and parenting skills.

The Royal Commission into Family Violence (the Royal Commission) ran from February 2015 to March 2016 with terms of reference to inquire into and report on how Victoria’s response to family violence can be improved. The Royal Commission’s report contains 227 recommendations spanning a number of areas, including:

• family violence risk assessment and management• information sharing• specialist family violence services• the child protection system• family violence and diversity.

The Victorian Government has committed to implementing all 227 recommendations.

The 2017–18 Budget provides an additional $1.9 billion over four years to respond to family violence and deliver recommendations of the Royal Commission. In the children protection and family services output this includes:

• $100.1 million over four years and $30 million ongoing for counselling and therapeutic support for victims of family violence and sexual assault. This funding will:– support approximately 11,000 victim survivors of family violence– support 3,500 children who are victims of family violence– strengthen responses to Aboriginal family violence– support system reform and improved responses to diversity.

• $49.5 million over four years for enhanced perpetrator interventions. This funding will:– support approximately 4,000 men with access to behaviour change program– strengthen case management responses for perpetrators– expand intake and referral services– support trials of innovative perpetrator interventions in line with recommendations from the Royal

Commission into Family Violence.• $7 million over four years for the Risk Assessment Report Portal (L17 Portal). The portal replaces

faxed referrals from Victoria Police to specialist family violence agencies and captures more accurate information on family violence incidents.

This funding builds on and continues the significant investments made in family violence in the 2016–17 Budget.

Children, Youth and Families Act 2005

The Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 creates a shared responsibility for family services, the Child Protection program, out-of-home care services and the Children's Court to act in the best interests of the child. In taking any decision or action this is the paramount consideration and must include the need to:

• protect the child from harm • protect the child's rights • promote the child's development.

Volume 3: Chapter 3 (July 2017) Page 15

There are numerous other principles the Court must consider when making decisions regarding children. The best interests principles draw attention to critical dimensions of a child's experience, which may be affected by their family dynamics and circumstances. These principles require practitioners to focus on children's safety, stability and development in the context of their age and stage of life, their culture and gender.

This requires all services to adopt an approach to practice that is child-centred and family-focussed.

The legislation provides for intervention by the Child Protection program to protect children from abuse and neglect where their parents have not or are unlikely to protect them from harm and balances these powers with comprehensive safeguards, including judicial oversight, and accountability procedures to protect the rights of parents and children. It requires that intervention into the lives of families is no more intrusive than is required to ensure the safety of children, and provides for participation in decision-making by parents and children, and timely decision-making and actions on behalf of children.

The legislation allows the Secretary of the department to authorise the principal officer of an Aboriginal agency to undertake specified functions and powers in relation to a protection order for an Aboriginal child or young person. The department is working with Aboriginal agencies to implement this provision in 2017–18.

Commission for Children and Young People

The Commission for Children and Young People (Commission) commenced operation in March 2013, replacing the former Office of the Child Safety Commissioner, and is independent of government. The Commission for Children and Young People Act 2012 provides for the role of the Commission.

The Commission provides guidance across systems to ensure child-friendly and child-safe practices. The objective of the Commission is to promote continuous improvement and innovation in policies and practices relating to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people and the provision out-of-home care services for children.

The Commission’s functions include conducting inquiries into the deaths of children known to child protection, monitoring out-of-home care services and Working with Children Checks, administration of the new Victorian Reportable Conduct Scheme from 1 July 2017, and conducting inquiries into individual cases involving:

• child protection clients• youth justice clients• young people who are under the age of 21 who have or are leaving the care of the Secretary of the

department to live independently• children who die from abuse or neglect• children who, or whose primary family carer is, receiving or has received services from registered

community services, such as out-of-home care or community based child and family services.

The Commission may also initiate or undertake inquiries on referral by the Minister for Families and Children into services provided to children and their primary carers such as health, human and educational services where systemic or recurring issues have been identified that impact on a child’s safety or wellbeing.

Child protection and family services output group

Family and early parenting services provide place-based support to vulnerable children, young people and their families to promote safety, stability and development and reduce the need for statutory intervention.

A range of supports are provided to assist young people leaving the out-of-home care system to transition to independent living and link to employment, education and training opportunities.

Page 16 Volume 3: Chapter 3 (July 2017)

Family violence services aim to promote early intervention strategies to prevent the occurrence or escalation of family violence, and prevent future occurrences of family violence by offering post crisis support.

The department funds a variety of organisations to provide direct services for children, young people and adults who have experienced recent or past sexual assault. Organisations also provide community awareness, education and professional consultation services that work towards the prevention and early identification of sexual assault.

The Child Protection program provides child-centred family focused services to protect children and young people from significant harm as a result of abuse or neglect where their parents have not or are unlikely to protect them from harm and assists children and young people to deal with the impact of abuse and neglect.

The role of the Child Protection program is to:

• receive reports from people who believe on reasonable grounds that a child is in need of protection because of abuse or neglect

• provide advice where people report such concerns• investigate matters where it is believed that a child may be in need of protection• refer children and families to services that assist in providing for ongoing safety and wellbeing of

children• take matters before the Children’s Court where it believes the child requires court-ordered protection• administer orders made by the Children’s Court to protect children.

3.5 Housing assistance output group

3.5.1 Our services The department, along with our partners in the community sector, provides a range of housing and homelessness support services including:

• public housing • community housing• bond loan assistance • homelessness assistance • transitional housing and support• family violence accommodation and support services• moveable units • information on housing and support options and referral to relevant service providers.

For further information on these services, please refer to the department’s website <http://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au>.

Volume 3: Chapter 3 (July 2017) Page 17

3.5.2 Legislation and policies Housing related activities are guided by the following Acts:

Housing Act 1983

The Housing Act 1983 sets out the responsibilities and powers of the Minister for Housing and the Director of Housing. The objectives of the Act include encouraging the provision of high quality public and community housing in a cost-effective way and ensuring the distribution of government housing assistance according to need. The Act also contains provisions to register and regulate not-for-profit housing agencies, which are administered by the Assistant Treasurer. Regulation provides a framework for accountability to government, private and philanthropic investors, tenants and the Victorian community.

Residential Tenancies Act 1997

The Residential Tenancies Act 1997 regulates the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords in rented premises, rooming houses, caravan parks and movable dwellings in Victoria. These regulations cover issues such as bonds, condition reports, building maintenance, rent increases, rights of entry and termination of tenancies.

This Act regulates the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority and provides for dispute resolution through the Director of Consumer Affairs and through the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Like all other landlords in Victoria, the Director of Housing and registered housing agencies are required to abide by the Residential Tenancies Act and its subordinate legislation.

The Residential Tenancies (Rooming House Standards) Regulations 2012 were made under the provisions of the RTA in February 2012 and came into effect on 31 March 2012. These regulations include standards relating to the privacy, safety and security of rooming houses that applied from March 2013.

A review of the Residential Tenancies Act is underway and is overseen by Consumer Affairs Victoria. This review aims to consider:

• how to better protect older tenants and residents of caravan parks and moveable dwellings• the introduction of a 'fit and proper person' test for rooming housing operators• long-term leasing of private rental housing.

Priorities

Homelessness and housing service improvements

The Victorian Government believes that people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness should be supported to achieve sustainable housing and social inclusion. It is committed to taking action to reduce homelessness, including improving the integration of homelessness services with public housing and broader social services.

The department is addressing homelessness and social housing services to ensure the sustainability of public housing and wider affordable housing options.

Launch sites

The department has committed to testing a suite of homelessness and social housing reform initiatives at three launch sites, including:

• a consistent approach to needs assessment and triaging by all service providers - to ensure people are directed to the supports they need quickly and effectively, and are not bounced around the system

Page 18 Volume 3: Chapter 3 (July 2017)

• choice based letting - to empower social housing tenants to choose where they live and have control over their lives

• enhanced private rental assistance - to help people who are homeless or at risk to access safe and stable housing

• outcome focused individual support to help people sustain housing.

The Brimbank Melton, Hume Moreland and Inner Gippsland areas have been selected to launch this new initiative. It will link in with current and previous work undertaken by the department and our partners in the community services sector in these areas to create a more integrated and effective experience for people.

The department will consult and co-design various elements of these reforms over the coming year.

It will also take action to review crisis accommodation service models, commencing with projects to re-design Victoria’s congregate crisis accommodation and its youth refuges.

2017–18 Budget and investment in family violence

The 2017–18 State Budget provided an additional $1.9 billion over four years to respond to family violence, and to deliver on recommendations from the Family Violence Royal Commission.

In the housing portfolio, the 2016–17 Budget provided:

• $164.7 million over four years and $50 million ongoing to provide accessible and flexible support for victims of family violence and children, including through:– providing additional case management for victim survivors of family violence, including by

continuing the significant boosts provided in the 2016–17 budget– boosting face-to-face after-hours support, intake, and 24/7 telephone crisis responses.

• $83.1 million over four years for improved crisis accommodation responses for victim survivors of family violence. This will provide funding to support:– the redevelopment of 13 family violence refuges to move to the ‘core and cluster’ model by 2020– construction of two new Aboriginal family violence refuges– funding to commence operation of two youth refuges.

This funding builds on and continues the significant investments made in family violence in the 2016–17 Budget.

White Paper on Reform of the Federation

The Commonwealth Government has committed to produce, with the states and territories, a White Paper on the Reform of the Federation.

The White Paper will seek to clarify roles and responsibilities to ensure that, as far as possible, the states and territories are sovereign in their own sphere.

The White Paper will focus on specific areas and, in particular, consider ways to:

• reduce and end, as far as possible, the waste, duplication and second guessing between different levels of government

• achieve a more efficient and effective federation, and in so doing, improve national productivity• make interacting with government simpler for citizens• ensure our federal system:

– is better understood and valued by Australians (and the case for reform supported)– has clearer allocation of roles and responsibilities– enhances governments’ autonomy, flexibility and political accountability– supports Australia’s economic growth and international competitiveness.

Volume 3: Chapter 3 (July 2017) Page 19

National Affordable Housing Agreement

The National Affordable Housing Agreement (NAHA) provides the ongoing policy framework for the Commonwealth Government and states to work together to improve housing affordability and homelessness outcomes for Australians. The NAHA recognises that a range of measures and coordinated action across governments is important to achieve this.

The NAHA commits governments to achieving the following outcomes:

• people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness achieve sustainable housing and social inclusion • people are able to rent housing that meet their needs • people can purchase affordable housing• people have access to housing through an efficient and responsive housing market • Indigenous people have the same housing opportunities (in relation to homelessness services,

housing rental, housing purchase and access to housing through an efficient and responsive housing market) as other Australians

• Indigenous people have improved housing amenity and reduced overcrowding, particularly in remote areas and discrete communities.

Funding for the National Affordable Housing Agreement is provided through the National Affordable Housing Specific Purpose Payment <http://www.federalfinancialrelations.gov.au/content/national_agreements.aspx>.

The 2017–18 Commonwealth Budget announced that from 1 July 2018, the National Affordable Housing Agreement and National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness will be replaced by the National Affordable Housing and Homelessness Agreement. Victoria is looking to work constructively with the Commonwealth to help shape the new agreement.

National Partnership on Homelessness

The National Partnership Agreement on Homelessness 2015–2017 is a funding agreement between the Commonwealth and Victoria that aims to reduce homelessness through sustained effort and partnerships with business, the not-for-profit sector and the community.

The current agreement expires in June 2017. Victoria is currently negotiating the terms of the proposed 2017–18 agreement with the Commonwealth.

National Partnership on Remote Indigenous Housing

The National Partnership on Remote Indigenous Housing (NPRIH) was a 10-year strategy to reform responsibilities between the Commonwealth Government and states in the provision of housing in remote Indigenous communities.

In October 2014, the Victorian Government and the Commonwealth Government agreed to the early conclusion of the NPARIH in Victoria. As part of this agreement, the Victorian Government accepted a one-off payment from the Commonwealth to support Aboriginal community housing, which included the full remaining balance of funds owing to Victoria under the NPARIH. The NPARIH aims to improve the condition of existing houses in Indigenous communities and ensure that rental properties are well maintained and managed.

Page 20 Volume 3: Chapter 3 (July 2017)

Work and learning centres on public housing estates

The Victorian Government, in partnership with the Brotherhood of St Laurence, is delivering five work and learning centres on or near public housing estates. The work and learning centres work with disadvantaged Victorians to address complex barriers to employment and create viable pathways to employment. Participants have a dedicated work and learning advisor who develops an individual employment plan to support them into employment. The centres provide services that include:

• career guidance and job search training• access to vocational training and education with local providers• access to foundation skills courses that build competency in English and improve work readiness

(prevocational training)• access to IT facilities• support in accessing childcare services• referral to local health and support providers to address health, mental health, drug and alcohol and

other similar issues• connecting clients to local labour markets through established relationships with local businesses.• All five work and learning centres are operational.

3.6 Concessions output group The department provides concessions across a broad range of services. These concessions vary in their structure and value. The department provides discounts on standard fees and charges for services such as energy, water, public transport and municipal rates. Concessions are generally provided to Victorians who hold a Commonwealth Government issued Pensioner Concession Card and Health Care Card, or a Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card.

The concessions funding output group also:

• provides assistance to concession cardholders and people who are registered with their utility company’s hardship program, who are unable to pay their utility bills due to a temporary financial crisis (Utility Relief Grant Scheme)

• manages the Sewerage Connection Scheme and the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Assistance Program

• funds the provision of emergency relief (Foodbank Victoria), trustee services (State Trustees), charity freight services, funeral services (Bereavement Assistance Limited), and community information (CISVic).

The program operates the Concession Telephone Information Line. The toll-free telephone number for this service is 1800 658 521.

Volume 3: Chapter 3 (July 2017) Page 21

3.7 Empowering individuals and communities output group Funding associated with Economic and Community Participation, the Office for Youth and the Office for Disability outputs provides a broad range of supports and services to encourage wellbeing and involvement in society.

3.7.1 Economic and Community and Participation Economic and Community Participation funds a range of activities that support the social and economic participation of Victorian communities, particularly vulnerable populations including young people, people with disabilities and people in public housing and priority places experiencing socio-economic disadvantage. This includes the Neighbourhood House Coordination Program, men's sheds and community finance initiatives as well as the Youth Affairs initiatives of Advance, community radio, Engage!, FReeZA, National Youth Week, and Wakakirri Secondary School Challenge.

3.7.2 Office for Youth The Office for Youth drives a whole-of-government agenda in relation to Victorians aged 12 to 25 years. It is responsible for policy advice, research and strategic planning relating to government policies, programs and service delivery for young Victorians. The Office for Youth gives young people a voice when it comes to developing government policy and programs, especially regarding those issues that affect them as young people living in Victoria.

3.7.3 Community Sector Capacity BuildingCommunity Sector Capacity Building supports the not-for-profit community sector to strengthen capacity, governance and sustainability. With a key focus on strengthening the volunteering sector and supporting organisational development, it develops strategic approaches to assist the community sector to respond to emerging challenges and engage with government reforms.

3.7.4 Office for Disability The Office for Disability provides leadership and support across the Victorian Government to improve the lives of people with a disability. It achieves this by driving systemic change to reduce and prevent barriers to the mainstream participation and inclusion of people with a disability.

The role of the Office is to:

• lead a consistent and stronger whole-of-government response to disability issues through the Victorian state disability plan

• support the Victorian Disability Advisory Council and the disability advocacy program• provide leadership and support to Government in key policy areas such as employment• work with the Victorian Government departments and agencies on the development and

implementation of disability action plans.

Through the disability advocacy program, the Office for Disability funds 24 disability advocacy organisations including the disability advocacy and self-advocacy resource units.

Page 22 Volume 3: Chapter 3 (July 2017)

Policies

The Office for Disability leads and contributes to state and national policies.

Absolutely everyone: state disability plan 2017-2020 came into effect on 1 January 2017. The plan sets out how the government will achieve the vision of an inclusive Victoria, which supports people with a disability to live satisfying everyday lives. The plan tackles the barriers that people with a disability deal with on a daily basis by making mainstream services and systems more inclusive.

Four pillars of everyday life provide the plan's structure and were developed from the vision for the plan and consultation feedback. The pillars are inclusive communities; health, housing and wellbeing; fairness and safety, and contributing lives.

The plan contains 10 key priorities and 27 further actions, being implemented by departments with quarterly progress reports. The plan has an outcomes framework with 14 outcomes across its four domains. Detailed indicators and measures will be developed over the next six months with annual public reporting in Parliament from June 2018.

National Disability Strategy

The Victorian state disability plan assists Victoria to meet its responsibilities under the National Disability Strategy. The strategy sets out a 10-year national policy framework for improving life for Australians with disability, their families and carers. It represents a commitment by all levels of government, industry and the community to a unified, national approach to policy and program development.

Further information and copies of the National Disability Strategy can be found on the federal Department of Social Services website at <https://www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/disability-and-carers/program-services/government-international/national-disability-strategy>.

3.7.5 Sport and recreation The department delivers a range of projects and programs to help maximise the health, economic and social benefits provided to all Victorians by the sport and active recreation sector. Policies, projects and programs are focused on:

• ensuring greater access and opportunities for participation in sport and recreation by all Victorians• improving the quality and accessibility of community sport and recreation facilities, including female

friendly facilities• strengthening the capacity of sport and recreation organisations• providing a robust evidence base for activities in the sport and recreation system• contributing to Victoria's reputation as the leading state for sporting events• reinforcing the enriching role that sport and recreation plays in people's lives.

Community sport and recreation

The aim of programs in community sport is to build the capacity of the sport and recreation sector to enable increased opportunities for all Victorians to enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle. Grants programs aim to increase participation in sport and active recreation by building sustainability, equity, diversity and inclusiveness in the sport and recreation industry. Recipients include:

• the Victorian Institute of Sport and Regional Academies of Sport• statewide peak sport and recreation organisations• regional sporting bodies• individual athletes and sporting teams• local clubs.

Volume 3: Chapter 3 (July 2017) Page 23

The grants consist of a mixture of negotiated grants against specific performance targets, particularly for statewide organisations and selective grants for local clubs and individuals. A number of individual programs contribute to the overall aim of:

• the Supporting Victorian Sport and Recreation program• Sporting club grants program• Athlete pathways travel grants program• Emergency grants: Sports equipment• Defibrillators for sporting clubs and facilities program.

The purpose of the grants is to benefit all Victorians, in particular, communities and individuals within Victoria who are under-represented in sport and active recreation participation. These groups may include:

• women and girls• people with a disability• culturally and linguistically diverse individuals• Aboriginal Australians• people identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and/or intersex• senior Victorians• members of multicultural communities.

Several grant schemes also support the development of an elite sport pathway for Victorian athletes, coaches, officials and administrators. These grants include provision of support to the Victorian Institute of Sport and Regional Academies of Sport in addition to financial support for individuals and teams under the Athlete pathways travel grants program.

In addition to supporting under-represented communities, two grant schemes support local clubs with building capacity in relation to the provision of essential sporting and medical equipment. These schemes are managed under the Emergency grants: Sports equipment program and Defibrillators for Sporting Clubs and Facilities program.

Service delivery is linked to the negotiated grants under the Supporting Victorian Sport and Recreation program derived from partners within the community sport and recreation sector. These partners include:

• state sporting associations• state sport and recreation bodies• peak sport and recreation advocacy bodies• Regional Academies of Sport and the Victorian Institute of Sport• regional sport assemblies.

Monitoring of grants is conducted using a selection of methods. For negotiated grants, regular performance reporting throughout the lifecycle of the agreement is maintained. For selective grants, internal evaluation using a needs analysis is utilised to establish impact and coverage. All grants are also subject to possible external program evaluation methodology.

For further information on community sport and recreation grants, please refer to the department’s website <www.sport.vic.gov.au>.

Page 24 Volume 3: Chapter 3 (July 2017)