About the Service Provision Project

A significant component of the family law reform package is the implementation of new and expanded services established to support family relationships. The newly established types of services include Family Relationship Centres and the Family Relationship Advice Line as well as a new online resource for families called Family Relationships Online. These services seek to provide a new entry point to services that families may need when encountering relationship issues. In addition, early intervention services and post-separation services have been expanded to assist both intact families seeking assistance and support for their relationships, as well those experiencing separation and divorce.

The expanded services include:

  1. Men and Family Relationship Services;
  2. Family Relationship Counselling;
  3. Family Relationship Education and Skills Training;
  4. Specialised Family Violence Services;
  5. Family Dispute Resolution;
  6. Children's Contact Services; and
  7. Parenting Orders Programs.

The Service Provision Project aims to evaluate the extent to which these new and expanded services are meeting the core policy objectives of the reforms, as set out in the Institute's Evaluation Framework.

Research

Research undertaken as part of the Service Provision Project will take into account both the perspectives of service providers and clients. The project comprises three components:

  1. A qualitative study with service provider managers and staff;
  2. A survey of service provider staff; and
  3. A survey of service provider clients.

A qualitative study with service provider managers and staff

The qualitative study consists of interviews and focus groups with service provider managers, staff and CEOs of service organisations. Interviews were undertaken in late 2007/early 2008. A second round of interviews will take place in late 2008/early 2009. Along with the Staff Survey (which is being directed at all staff from the new and expanded services), the qualitative study will seek the views of service providers on the impact to themselves and their clients of the Government's reforms to the family law system.

A survey of service provider staff

Data collection for the Staff Survey, a web-based survey of staff working at family relationship services, is being conducted in early 2008 and early 2009. The survey aims to provide insight into the perceptions about the reforms, and what impact they perceive they are having on their day-to-day work with families.

A survey of service provider clients

To obtain a more detailed picture of the provision of services, a survey of service clients is also planned. This survey will focus on the extent to which services are meeting the objectives of the reforms and addressing clients' needs.

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