Applying for Flexible Support Packages

Information for case managers applying for Family Violence Flexible Support Packages on behalf of victim-survivors.

On this page

• Choosing an FSP provider
• Flexible Support Packages providers
• Local Providers (FSP and PSI)

Family violence victim survivors decide which provider to apply to for Flexible Support Packages (FSP). Case managers can use this information to support victim-survivors in choosing the most appropriate provider.

There are a number of organisations in Victoria that hold FSP funding and are able to receive and assess applications. These organisations are known as ‘FSP providers’. The following organisations hold FSP funding:

• Local Specialist Family Violence Services working within the 17 Department of Families, Fairness and Housing areas.
• Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) in 4 district areas, and one statewide.
• Two statewide targeted family violence support services for:

• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities
• LGBTI communities.

In the Personal Safety Initiative (PSI) program, coordinators are based at Local Specialist Family Violence Services working within the 17 DHHS areas only, and any selection of PSI coordinator will be based solely on location.

Providers and their contact details are listed further down the page.

Choosing an FSP provider

This decision should be guided by 2 factors, with cultural suitability to be explored first:

1. suitability of the service to the cultural safety and identity of the victim survivor, inclusive of victim survivor choice
2. location of the victim survivor.

Cultural suitability

In alignment with the Family Violence Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management Framework (MARAM), an intersectional, person-centred approach must be applied. In addition, the Dhelk Dja: Safe Our Way — Strong People, Strong Peoples, Strong Families outlines Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ right to cultural safety and self-determination.

Adult and children victim survivors might identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, as multicultural, as LGBTI+ and/or have a number of intersecting identities. Case managers should outline to such victim survivors that there are FSP providers which respond to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse, and LGBTI+ communities, as well as the names of these particular services in their local area. Note, the most relevant service might be a statewide service.

Case managers should then ask victim survivors, in an open and respectful way, if they would like to be referred to a culturally specific, or targeted FSP provider, and listen to, and respect their choice. It is important assumptions are not made about a victim survivors’ preference based on their named identity, and that they are able to make an informed choice.

Location

While there are statewide FSP providers, it is also useful for victim survivors to apply in their DFFH area, due to local FSP providers often having links to suppliers in the area. It is recognised that family violence often creates housing instability, and therefore the local area of the victim survivor might be difficult to define.

If a victim survivor resides in a DFFH area, and wishes to remain in the same area, the victim survivor can apply to the DFFH area in which they are residing.

If a victim survivor lives in one DFFH area and is moving to a different DFFH area, victim survivors are encouraged to apply where they are moving from. This may not be the most practical option in all scenarios, and therefore flexibility from case managers and FSP providers will likely be needed. Case managers are encouraged to contact FSP providers for a de-identified secondary consultation if unsure in these scenarios.

Flexible Support Packages providers

Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs)

Culturally and linguistically diverse communities FSP

inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence(opens in a new window)

• Phone: (03) 9413 6500

LGBTI Communities

Thorne Harbour Health

• flexi-packages@thorneharbour.org
• (03) 9865 6700

Crisis support

Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre

• FSP@safesteps.org.au
• 1800 015 188

Local Providers (FSP and PSI)

Refer to this map of Local Government Areas and DFFH Areas (formerly Department of Human Services).

East Division

North Division

South Division

West Division

Updated 30 September 2021

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