- Risk Management
- Authorise and embed models for case coordination: Develop and embed model(s) for coordinated case management to be authorised and implemented across agencies, community sector services and ACCOs. Require participation in multi-agency case management (or similar) as appropriate.
At a glance
In November 2022, the Premier announced funding to deliver new Family Safety Officers to help manage high-risk perpetrators and support victim survivors. The initial commitment was for phased implementation over three years from 1 July 2023, which was brought forward through further State Government funding to support delivery of this System Reform Plan action.
This service is now known as the Family Safety Service (FSS), with Family Safety Coordinators and Family Safety Support Workers embedded into an enhanced model of the Family and Domestic Violence Response Teams (FDVRT). The FDVRTs are a partnership between Department of Communities, WA Police, FDV Coordinated Response Services, and Department of Justice - Adult Community Corrections (ACC). Through a collaborative approach, FDVRTs focus on timely and early intervention following an FDV incident reported to police.
FSS support families and individuals at highest risk of high harm, with the aim of improving victim-survivors’ (including children) safety; reducing the number of children coming into care, and managing risks associated with perpetrators’ use of violence.
The FSS convene Multi-Agency Case Management (MACM) meetings to assist with coordination of responses for the whole family to assist in reducing risk posed by the person using violence and enhancing the safety and wellbeing of victim-survivors. The FSS also offer intensive support to victim-survivors. Through their efforts to assist with coordination of service responses, they assist to address gaps and barriers and help drive place-based initiatives to support safer families.
The impact
The FSS is an adaptable service depending on the circumstances of the victim-survivor and person using violence. Below provides some real examples of ways the FSS has assisted to enhance the safety of victim-survivors:
- Support to obtain Family Violence Restraining Orders, along with safety planning to help victim-survivors feel safe and empowered to report breaches.
- Support and safety planning to prepare for perpetrators being released from custody.
- Amending misidentification of a victim-survivors as the perpetrator, enabling access to appropriate supports and services.
- Using the Banned Drinkers Register to limit access to alcohol for persons using violence, particularly when this is a factor associated with escalation.
- Engaging with persons using violence to connect them with appropriate interventions and/or to inform other responses to help manage risk.
- Developing cross-border safety plans with services in other states and territories.
- Supporting applications to designate a person using violence as a Serial Family Violence Offender.
- Working collaboratively with Justice system responses including to support charges being laid, convictions, restraining order applications and reporting of breaches.
A victim survivor (VS) and person using violence (PUV) were referred to the Family Safety Service after the VS was identified as being at high risk of high harm. The PUV had displayed significant physical violence towards the VS, including several unreported incidents. Due to the PUV’s violence, VS was initially too fearful to access supports. The VS is much younger than the PUV, has limited supports in Australia, is unable to return to her country of origin, and has historically found it difficult to trust services.
The FSS facilitated multi-agency case management meetings (MACMs) and developed a multi-agency safety plan, in line with the VS’s wishes. The FSS worked collaboratively with several agencies to support them to build trust with the VS. As a result, the VS engaged with WA Police and supported a criminal investigation relating to assaults she had experienced. The interagency response resulted in: the PUV being arrested, charged, and held in custody; support provided for the VS to obtain a Family Violence Restraining Order (FVRO); monitoring of FVRO; ongoing conversations with the PUV about his choice to use violence, and the impacts; behavioural change and additional supports offered to PUV; alerts issued to promote safety for the VS; VS linked with culturally responsive supports; support for VS to access emergency relief; and additional significant safety planning discussions with both the VS and PUV.
During the FSS period of involvement there has been a shift in the PUV’s description of his violence, and clear plans developed for him to engage in strategies that he feels will address his violence. The PUV was also convicted and sentenced relating to his violent behaviour, further promoting accountability. The VS now feels empowered to speak out about her experiences, and reports feeling safer knowing that the multi-agency group remain involved, providing ongoing support.
Key achievements
The FSS delivers intensive intervention, safety planning and support to those who are considered at the highest risk of harm. Key achievements include:
- As of 14 July 2025, 33 of 34 Family Safety Service positions filled in Family and Domestic Violence Response Teams across the State.
- From 30 November 2023 through to 31 March 2025:
- 1,312 MACM meetings have been convened.
- 569 FSS cases have been opened.
- 334 FSS cases have progressed to case closure, with safety achieved and risks mitigated.
- 76% of FSS cases involved children (on average).
Success factors
Collaboration and connection are key features underpinning the operations of the FSS. Success factors include:
- Improved agency participation in MACM meetings, development of effective multi-agency safety plans, and facilitation of positive and effective communication and relationships between stakeholders.
- Positive engagement with victim-survivors and persons using violence, through FDV-Informed and culturally safe ways of working.
- Effective information sharing and increased visibility of persons using violence.
- Service gaps addressed by working with victim-survivors experiencing elder abuse.
- A focus on the person using violence, including to reduce risk and to promote behaviour change.
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