What is Lighthouse?
The Lighthouse model involves:
- early risk screening through a secure online platform
- early identification and management of family safety risks
- assessment and triage of cases by a specialised team who will can provide support and refer link the party to appropriate services
- safe, and suitable case management including referring high risk cases to a dedicated court list, known as the Evatt List.
What is the Family DOORS Triage questionnaire?
The Family DOORS Triage questionnaire is a risk screening process which considers a range of safety risks that are frequently identified within family law proceedings. Some of the identified risks include family violence, mental health issues or drug and alcohol abuse. The Family DOORS Triage risk screening process has been specifically developed for use in the Courts in conjunction with Professor Jennifer McIntosh and Relationships Australia South Australia.
The questionnaire is designed to be completed by the litigant and takes approximately 15 minutes. The questionnaire can be completed safely and conveniently from any device; computer, mobile phone or tablet. Alternatively, if a litigant does not have access to a device to complete the questionnaire or holds safety concerns in completing the questionnaire on their personal device, appointments can be arranged for the litigant to attend the Registry to complete the questionnaire. All questions seek a yes or no response and do not require detailed examples.
Why is undertaking the Family DOORS Triage questionnaire important?
There are unacceptable rates of family violence in our community, especially at the time of separation.
For practitioners: it is important that you give significant attention to the identification of family violence and other signs of risk, and to be aware of the benefits of screening through the Family DOORS Triage questionnaire.
By encouraging your client to undertake the Family DOORS Triage questionnaire, practitioners are strengthening their client's support in navigating the family law system.
For litigants: it is important to complete the Family DOORS Triage questionnaire to ensure you are connected with support services, and to inform the Court of safety risks you are concerned about.
By completing the Family DOORS Triage questionnaire, litigants are provided:
- an opportunity to self-identify risk
- responsiveness to serious risk issues
- online safety planning
- referrals to legal and social support (where appropriate), and
- placement onto the most appropriate case management pathway based on the identified needs and circumstances of their family.
The Family DOORS Triage questionnaire not only assists the Courts but also practitioners in enhancing the response to, and understand of, risk factors present. By completing Family DOORS Triage litigants will receive targeted support for their concerns.
How will contact be made to complete the Family DOORS Triage questionnaire?
Each litigant will be contacted directly by the Lighthouse Support team to complete the Family DOORS Triage questionnaire.
Upon filing an eligible Application or Response via the Commonwealth Courts Portal, each party will be prompted to provide their preferred personal email address and mobile number to enable the Court to invite litigants to complete the questionnaire.
