Advocacy

Information Sharing Reforms 

 

From September, 2020, new information sharing and family violence reforms permit workforces to share information with each other to promote the wellbeing or safety of Victorian children and families and to work together more effectively to identify and respond to family violence risk.

 

The proposed regulations will authorise a further range of organisations and services to participate in the Child Information Sharing Scheme (CIS Scheme).

 

 

 

 

The Scheme is all about promoting the wellbeing or safety of children.

 

► gives professionals the tools they need to inform their professional judgement

► promotes earlier risk identification, support and service collaboration

► children and families can be referenced to and access services when they are needed

► aims to save lives and improve outcomes for Victorian children.

 

Phase One of the reforms is already in place and allows front line services such as Child Protection, Child First, Maternal and Child Health, and Victoria Police to share information with each other and access guidance to better respond to the wellbeing and safety needs of children and their families.

 

The proposed Phase Two of the reforms will introduce more workforces – which includes Kindergartens. It is expected to bring key universal services into the reforms, including schools, early childhood education and care services, general practitioners and public hospitals.

 

A final decision about the regulations is expected sometime this month. 

 

More information can be found here: https://www.vic.gov.au/information-sharing-schemes-and-the-maram-framework