ANROWS Research report, Issue 16, June 2020

This project explored effective practice in early intervention violence prevention and response, with a specific focus on the experiences and voices of women and children with disability (8–18 years) who are at risk of domestic and family violence (DFV).

Involving an advisory group of four women with disability, the multi-method study comprised:
a review of evidence of proven and promising practice in early intervention violence prevention for families with a child or parent with disability;
a review of DFV, child protection and wellbeing, and disability policy nationally (with a more detailed focus on New South Wales);
qualitative research about the experience and implementation of early intervention services, using the Family Referral Services (FRS) in New South Wales as a case study.

The research revealed that a holistic approach to safety and a focus on barriers to support (rather than impairment) is key to responding to the needs of families where either mothers or children have disability. Positive practice principles that were identified include timely responses and scaffolded planning, personalised and flexible support, building and sustaining local sector relationships, improving service coordination and building cultural safety with Aboriginal families.

The report recommends strengthening of practice design and delivery for DFV and early intervention services through building workforce capacity and training based on the identified principles for positive practice. Building skills in workers and organisations would enable confident and appropriate responses to the needs of families with disability who are at risk of, or experiencing, violence. (From the website). Record #6716