Statutory and Forensic Services Design Branch
1. Document purpose
The purpose of this document is to provide an overview of the functions and key activities of the Statutory and
Forensic Services Design Branch.
2. Group description
Group purpose
Service Design and Implementation develops cross-program and integrated service delivery responses to move
the department from a program and problem focus to a people and place focus. Consolidation of program and
service design functions achieves functional efficiency and the flexible staffing model maximises the
department’s limited resources.
This group facilitates the effective translation of high-level policy intent into genuine reform and improved
practice at the front line. Knowledge and expertise of service design and practice improvement is consolidated
from different program areas into an integrated design capability. At the same time, specialist knowledge and
functions are retained to maintain and improve highly specialised services.
This group leads the design, delivery, evaluation, implementation and administration of accommodation and
support programs, including statutory and forensic programs, for individuals and families. It leads the
department’s community building and participation activities. It drives practice consistency and improvement. It
develops, coordinates and influences initiatives for Aboriginal clients.
3. Branch description
Branch purpose
The Statutory and Forensic Services Design Branch will support existing specialised statutory services and
undertake the review, design and development of these services in the areas of child protection, out-of-home
care, youth justice and disability forensics. The primary role of the branch is to design and oversee high quality
service delivery for child protection, out-of-home care, youth justice and disability forensics.
In collaboration with policy teams, service design teams, divisions and areas, the Statutory and Forensic
Services Design Branch will also contribute to the development and delivery of integrated human services to
individuals and families with complex issues.
The branch will provide advice to Ministers, the Department of Human Services Board and senior managers on
policy and program matters relating to child protection, out-of-home care, youth justice and disability forensics,
including responses and advice on critical incidents.
Department of Human Services
Branch structure
Statutory and Forensic Services Design Branch will consist of the following units:

Child Protection Unit

Out-of-Home Care Unit

Youth Justice and Disability Forensic Unit
4. Unit descriptions
All units in the branch will have carriage for the following functions with additional activities for relevant specialist
areas:
 support the existing service delivery of statutory services across the department
 develop and oversee programs and services for the effective operation of services including practice quality,
monitoring and review
 lead the development and design of statutory services including child protection, out of home care, youth
justice and disability forensic services
 work in collaboration with policy teams and other service design areas to drive an integrated human services
response to individuals and families with complex issues
 provide specialist advice across the Department of Human Services on the design and delivery of statutory
and forensic services
 develop appropriate service responses to internal and external reviews of statutory and forensic services
 inform the ongoing review of relevant legislation to maintain appropriate legislative responses and directions
for statutory and forensic clients.
Child Protection Unit
Purpose
The Child Protection Unit will undertake service development and design, practice and service support for child
protection. The unit will respond to performance and service delivery issues, actively managing emerging
trends and issues, and developing an evidence base to support effective service responses that improve
outcomes for vulnerable children, young people and their families. The unit will support ongoing implementation
of the reforms associated with the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 across the statutory child protection
system through the development and design of service interventions for child protection clients and families.
Key projects and activities
The unit will:
 lead the implementation of the new Child Protection Operating Model
 facilitate and oversee development and revision of materials to support child protection practice, including
but not limited to:
o
Child Protection Policy and Practice Guidelines for Courts
o
Child Protection Practice Manual to reflect new operating arrangements
o
Guidelines for Children's Participation in Court Proceedings
o
practices and processes regarding the inter relationship between State and Federal laws
o
practice with State Children Protection Authorities
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 assist rural regions in court related practice and provide support to Department of Human Services rural
lawyers
 facilitate development of protocols including with: Mental Health; Drugs and Alcohol; Family Services and
Child Protection; Corrections for the Release of Child Killers; the Royal Children's Hospital; Victoria Police;
National Child Support Agency Protocols; Refugee Minor Protocol with Out-of-Home Care
 implement and monitor Child Protection proceedings taskforce recommendations
 provide program development, support and monitoring of the Refugee Minor Program
Out-of-Home Care Unit
Purpose
The Out-of-Home Care Unit will undertake service development and design, practice and service support for a
range of internally and externally delivered programs supporting vulnerable children and adolescents in out-ofhome care arrangements, the majority of whom are statutory clients of the department.
This unit will work with agencies funded to provide out-of-home care services to ensure a responsive and high
quality out-of-home care service system. The unit will respond to service delivery issues, service capacity and
development requirements.
Key projects and activities
The unit will:
 design, plan and implement new models of residential, home-based care and out-of-home care support
services that are consistent with changing client needs and profiles
 support improved out-of-home care practices for children placed in out-of-home care, or at risk of entering
care and children and young people with a disability, through the development of operational polices,
practice guidelines and tools
 manage the reform of Out-of-Home Care and ensure the effective operation of a range of support services
including the Take Two Intensive Therapeutic service
 manage the implementation of Stronger Families (formerly Family Coaching Victoria) and redevelop existing
placement prevention models such as Families First program in line with FCV
 redevelop aspects of Looking After Children to improve service delivery
 develop guidelines, policies and programs for Local and Overseas Adoption and Permanent Care, and
design and implement the redevelopment of the Adoption and Permanent Care service system
 provide specialist expertise and develop state-wide operational policy and practice frameworks to support
departmental areas and funded providers to meet legislative and policy obligations, develop local operating
procedures and manage organisational risk.
Youth Justice and Disability Forensic Unit
Purpose
The Youth Justice and Disability Forensic Unit will undertake service development and design, practice and
service support for youth justice and disability forensic services.
Key projects and activities
The unit will:
 develop and support programs and services for the effective operation of community and custodial youth
justice services and disability forensic services including practice quality, monitoring and review
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 develop youth justice program policy, practice manuals and guidelines, monitoring frameworks and data
systems, and provide advice to workers (including a focus on the Koori Youth Justice Program)
 support the operations of Youth Parole and Youth Residential Boards, independent statutory bodies
established under the CYFA
 ensure the department is meeting the legislative requirements for the provision of forensic services
 deliver reform of the disability forensic service system
 undertake service planning, program development and monitoring for the disability forensic system
 maintain systems and processes to ensure availability of up to date information on current services,
demand/activity and client profile to inform statewide service planning, policy and monitoring for the disability
forensic service system; and to support workforce and practice development
 provide specialist expertise, maintain a watching brief on legislative reform and develop statewide
operational policy and practice frameworks to support departmental areas and funded providers to meet
legislative and policy obligations, develop local operating procedures and manage organisational risk.
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