RMIT's Future Social Service Institute (FSSI) will continue to play a key role in delivering initiatives to upskill family violence leaders as part of a new $6m package announced by the Andrews government to tackle the issue.
Minister for Women Gabrielle Williams has unveiled the 'Strengthening the Foundations: First Rolling Action Plan 2019-2022' at RMIT's The Capitol, marking the start of the United Nations' 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
The government funding will support a range of initiatives designed to create a bigger, stronger and more diverse family violence workforce.
One of the key priorities under the plan will be understanding the workforce size, skills, qualifications and ongoing training and development needs, and promoting worker wellbeing.
Speaking at the announcement, FSSI Director Micaela Cronin said a qualified workforce and education partners to deliver against short and long-term workforce needs were crucial to the success of the Government's plan to address family violence.
"We need to be able to address the demand now, which requires us to really challenge the current system and develop a future workforce capable of responding effectively to end family violence," Cronin said.
She said the University was well placed to play a key role, as a longstanding leader in domestic and family violence research, training and innovation.
"RMIT has skin in the game and is deeply committed to ending family violence, investing heavily in three research centres to help prevent family violence and build a more responsive and innovative social sector.
"FSSI will continue its work providing leadership development opportunities to equip specialist family violence sector leaders with the knowledge, tools and mindsets needed to manage, respond to and implement the rapid and transformational change in the family violence environment.
"We look forward to assisting the Government with the implementation of the Rolling Action Plan through our innovative education and training programs and high-quality research and evaluation."
Minister Williams said the best workforce was needed to provide the very best care to women and children in times of crisis.
"Our plan and investments will mean a bigger, stronger and more diverse workforce and that means women and children will be able to get the help they need, when they need it most," Williams said.
The Government's Rolling Action Plan includes up to 1,000 additional student placements in family violence and community organisations (on top of 1,400 existing placements) and a
tailored development program for early and mid-career family violence professionals to grow their careers.
In addition, a Family Violence Practice Social Work Graduate Program will be established, while TAFEs and other Registered Training Organisations will receive additional funding to equip family violence professionals with the skills they need to provide the best possible care.
FSSI is a trailblazing collaboration between RMIT, the Victorian Council of Social Services and the Victorian Government, which brings together higher education and research capabilities, vocational education and a deep knowledge of working in partnership with industry.
