All disability services workers complete certified training in identifying family violence

The Victorian Government will continue to pursue the case with both the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions to have family violence education as a component of training and induction requirements for disability service workers funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The Victorian Government will also consider options for inclusion of training in identifying family violence under Victoria's registration and accreditation scheme for disability workers, which was passed by Parliament in August 2018.

Slot gameIn August 2016, the Premier wrote to the Prime Minister to advocate the need for a strong, coordinated effort through the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) to drive the level of national reform needed to ensure that women and children are kept safe. In late 2016, First Ministers agreed to a new national quality and safeguarding framework to protect NDIS participants, commencing from full scheme implementation. This framework links to the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children 2010–2022 and includes the objective of NDIS participants living free from abuse, violence, neglect and exploitation. The framework has been operationalised through the establishment of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (the Commission) which produced NDIS Practice Standards (applying to all registered providers) and the Code of Conduct (applying to all providers and workers whether registered or not). Victoria/the government will continue to encourage the Commission to consider capabilities in identifying and responding to family violence in its work.

Training requirements relating to abuse and family violence are being considered in the context of a review of qualifications within the Community Services and Health Training packages relevant to the NDIS. This review is occurring as part of priority initiatives in Keeping our Sector Strong: Victoria’s Workforce Plan for the NDIS.

The Victorian Government is establishing an independent, legislated registration and accreditation scheme for Victoria’s disability workforce. In the design of the scheme, appropriate opportunities to promote and embed family violence training in the disability workforce are being considered.

Slot gameA course in identifying and responding to family violence risk was accredited in April 2019, aligned with the Multi Agency Risk Assessment and Risk Management Framework (MARAM) screening and identification tool and associated responsibilities. Delivery of this course will begin from early 2020.