1. Screening
When an Initiating Application or Response seeking parenting only, or parenting and financial orders is filed with the Court, parties will be asked to complete the confidential and secure Family DOORS triage online risk screen. This has been developed specifically for the Courts and can be completed safely and conveniently from any device; computer, mobile phone or tablet. Assistance to facilitate the screening process can also be provided by the Lighthouse Team. Responses are confidential and will only be used to provide safety planning and service referrals, and to identify the most appropriate case management pathways, to improve the safety and wellbeing for children and families in the court system.
2. Triage
A dedicated, specialised team will assess and direct cases into the most appropriate case management pathway, based on the level of risk. The team is made up of highly skilled Judicial Registrars, Triage Counsellors, and support staff, with detailed knowledge in family violence and family safety risks. The team will triage matters and identify parties who may require additional support and safety measures.
Cases identified as high risk will be referred to a Triage Counsellor, who will provide a tailored, clinical follow up which includes detailed risk assessment, safety and wellbeing plans and service referrals. Cases will also be offered safety planning and service referrals as part of the online screening process.
3. Case management:
Cases will be directed into the most appropriate case management pathway, based on the level of risk identified from the risk screen:
- High risk cases, following clinical review by a Triage Counsellor, may be referred to an Evatt Judicial Registrar, who will consider the most appropriate case management pathway for the particular matter, including whether the matter should be placed onto the Evatt List. The Evatt List focuses on early information gathering and intervention. The team has specialised training and is experienced in working with families where high risk safety issues have been identified. For more information see, Evatt List.
- Medium and lower risk cases will be considered for a range of case management pathways, including dispute resolution, in accordance with the Central Practice Direction – Family Law Case Management.
