A Collaborative Practice Framework for Child Protection and Specialist Domestic and Family Violence Services: Bridging the Research and Practice Divide

Abstract

ABSTRACTPractice frameworks bridge the divide between research and practice. This paper shows how the translation of research into policy and practice led to the development of a practice framework to foster greater collaboration between child protection (CP) and specialist domestic and family violence (DFV) services. The framework supports safety for adult and child victims and raises the standard of accountability for fathers who use violence. In researching the challenges of collaborative work between CP and DFV services, this framework developed from a parallel collaborative process involving researchers, practitioners, and policy representatives from government and nongovernment organisations across five Australian states.IMPLICATIONSA Collaborative Practice Framework for Child Protection and Specialist Domestic and Family Violence Services provides an evidence-informed foundation for facilitating stronger and more enduring partnerships to support the safety of women and children and the accountability of perpetrators of violence and abuse.The Framework fills a gap in current practice and policy relating to the challenges of working collaboratively between child protection and community-based services with families where there is domestic and family violence.