Recommendation 13
Recommendation 13 calls for DFFH to deliver a First Peoples-led impact evaluation of the Child Protection Risk Assessment Framework (SAFER), to be commenced within 12 months.
The purpose of the SAFER Framework is to help child protection practitioners assess and mitigate risk of harm to children. Evaluation of the SAFER Framework includes two stages, with stage 1 undertaken in 2022.
Stage 2 will involve three components:
- a literature review, expected in late 2024, including research findings about factors of risk, strengths and protection for families referred to child protection
- an overarching evaluation focusing on the adoption, experience and outcomes of SAFER for children, families and the child protection workforce
- a First Peoples-led evaluation component focusing on the experience and outcomes of the SAFER Framework for First Peoples children and families.
The third component will adopt a process evaluation focus while also capturing the experience and outcomes of Aboriginal children and young people. Focusing on client voice, it will be presented as a stand-alone resource to share stories, findings and recommendations.
Progress to date and next steps
Planning for Stage 2 commenced in May 2024. Work is underway to procure a First Peoples evaluator.
An interim report on the evaluation progress is due in early 2025 and a final report is due in early 2026.
Governance arrangements and stakeholder consultation
A First Peoples SAFER Governance Group will be formed to gather insights to ensure all methods are culturally safe and appropriate, while adhering to ethics committee-approved approaches. Meetings will also be organised with the SAFER evaluation working group and other stakeholders (e.g. the Commission for Children and Young People and SAFER Advisory Group). The Australian Evaluation Society’s (AES) Cultural Safety Framework will be integrated into the governance arrangements to ensure culturally safe evaluation.
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