Implementing a Framework for Practice: Evaluation of DV West’s Children’s Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Program

An evaluation by Cherie Toivonen of CLT Byron Consulting, funded by the NSW Ministry of Health and commissioned by DV West, found that the Children’s Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Program increased protective factors and reduced risk for children and families across New South Wales, Australia, during its first 10 months of operation. The program’s five Children’s Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Workers deliver a trauma- and violence-informed, culturally safe service underpinned by the Children and Young People’s Framework (Gander, 2015) and the Safe & Together™ Model. The evaluation drew on a case file audit of 107 clients, 16 in-depth interviews with mothers, carers, and kinship carers and the five specialist workers, two staff focus groups, stakeholder interviews, activity feedback from 100 children across 49 families, and a pre/post survey of 20 women’s perceptions of their ability to keep their children safe.

Of the 107 cases audited, 55 children were Aboriginal, 33 Anglo-Australian, and 19 Culturally and Linguistically Diverse. At program entry, 100% of mothers and carers had experienced domestic and family violence themselves, 86% of families had ongoing contact with the perpetrator that increased risk of further abuse, 79% lacked safety in the home, and 100% reported difficulty or reluctance accessing domestic and family violence–related services.

After engaging with the program, 100% of mothers and carers reported improved access to and engagement with services, and 71% had a reduction in unsafe contact with the perpetrator. Of the 32 families who were current statutory child protection clients, not one family had a child removed while engaged with DV West. Families also saw gains across specific domains: 87% had improved education outcomes, 80% received direct support to secure safe housing, and 78% experienced increased social connectedness through community-based activities.