A practice framework to guide screening and assessment in the Australian Family Relationship Centres and Advice Line

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the reactive way in which policy is translated into practice on the front lines of child and family welfare organizations, particularly in how risk is assessed and responded to by staff at all levels in these organizations. Major reforms to family law in Australia and programmes set up to complement the existing Commonwealth-Funded Family Relationship Services Program provide an opportunity to rethink how staff can be provided with a systematic and research-based set of guidelines for screening and assessment. This paper examines the role of practice frameworks in general and the Australian family relationships screening and assessment practice framework in particular to demonstrate not only how this broader evidence-based approach encourages well-informed, professional and ethical practice but also how it leaves room for creativity and local, place-based responsiveness.