Research & Development
Court Based Family Support
A Service Model for the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court
 In
2008 VACRO received a grant from the Legal Services Board
of Victoria to scope the development of a court based information,
support and referral program for the families of defendants.
The rationale for this project was simple: while there has been
critical investment in services to support defendants and victims
in criminal trials, there is little specialist support available
to the families and children of defendants. There is, however, evidence
to suggest that provision for targeted services to families of defendants
may assist in reducing recidivism and inter-generational criminality,
promoting community justice and providing earlier intervention and
support to particularly vulnerable families.
The Court Based Family Support Project was conducted by VACRO
with Lisa Ward Consulting Services over a twelve month period concluding
in late 2009. A project reference group provided expert advice on
key service design issues. Representation included existing court
based support service providers, court administrators, policy makers,
researchers and broader family support providers. In addition, the
project consulted with a wide range of legal, government and community
service providers and policymakers.
The final report draws on an analysis of the existing demand
and international evidence on best practice models. The report then
presents a set of specifications for the delivery of a family support
service linked to the Magistrates' Court. The specifications cover
the proposed service targeting, intake mechanisms and intervention
types and consider important partnerships with existing service
providers. VACRO continues to pursue exciting opportunities to pilot
and develop this innovative service approach to meet the needs of
vulnerable children and families.
The full report is now available
Court Based Family Support (full document)
For more information about the Court Based Family Support Project,
or to request a printed copy of the report please contact VACRO
info@vacro.org.au or phone
(03) 9605 1900.
VACRO acknowledges the support of the Legal Services Board in
funding this valuable document
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