• CHCDFV301A - Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence

CHCDFV301A
Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence

This unit describes the knowledge and skills required to identify and respond to domestic violence during professional contact with clientsIt requires a knowledge and understanding of domestic and family violence and an awareness of its effects together with an ability to promote confidence whilst responding appropriately, including providing relevant and timely information and referral

Application

This unit may apply in a range of community service contexts with clients who may experience domestic and family violence


Prerequisites

Not Applicable


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Work within a domestic violence framework

1.1 Plan work practices to ensure maximum consideration is given to client and worker safety

1.2 Ensure work undertaken demonstrates consideration and understanding of the underpinning values and philosophies of domestic violence work and the nature of domestic violence, including its effects, its social, historical, political and economic context and its place in the criminal justice system

1.3 Participate in support processes to obtain professional feedback and to monitor occupational health and stress

1.4 Demonstrate in all work, understanding of the rights and responsibilities of the individual, the family, the community and society to minimise or prevent domestic violence

2. Promote confidence with clients affected by domestic violence

2.1 Use appropriate interpersonal skills that develop rapport and promote confidence, allowing accurate and relevant exchange of information

2.2 In all work, demonstrate sensitivity to client's specific needs and any cultural, family and individual differences

2.3 Conduct interviewsand interactions with clients in a safe environment and in a manner which allows the client to explore their issues/options

2.4 Explain rights and responsibilities of client and worker and promote throughout client contact as appropriate

2.5 In all work apply organisation standards and procedures and comply with legislative and statutory requirements

3. Identify client needs

3.1 Appropriate interpersonal skills are employed to ensure that the client's safety needs and other needs are accurately identified

3.2 Mechanisms are employed to ensure that all relevant client information is collected

3.3 Information is assessed for complexity, urgency and eligibility so that priorities for service delivery and safety can be identified

3.4 Any indications of nature of risk or threats to safety are analysed and responded to

3.5 Worker's and workplace's limitations in addressing and assessing client needs are identified and assistance is sought from appropriate persons to best meet the needs of the client and their family

4. Respond to client needs

4.1 In responding to client needs, prioritise the physical and emotional safety of clients, their family and workers

4.2 Provide client with information about available services for meeting their needs

4.3 Seek support and make appropriate referrals to cater for clients needs according to organisation standards and procedures

4.4 In all work demonstrate sensitivity to client's specific needs and any cultural, family and individual differences

4.5 Provide advice on client services in accordance with organisation standards and procedures

4.6 Undertake record-keeping and reporting in accordance with organisation standards and procedures

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

These include knowledge of:

Knowledge of the social, historical, political and economic context of domestic violence, including types and nature of domestic violence, power and gender issues, child abuse and associated criminal issues

Understanding of the prevalence of myths, unhelpful beliefs, attitudes and practices in the broader society regarding domestic violence and their effects on individuals' rights to safety and autonomy

Understanding of current organisation procedures, practices and standards for client assessment, allocation of services, case management, interviewing, code of conduct, confidentiality, use of resources, programmed intervention and duty of care requirements

Understanding of legal obligations, particularly in relation to child protection issues

Knowledge of the various groups represented within the local community (e.g. cultural, religious, language, sexual identity, age and disability) and an understanding of the issues that arise when working with those groups

Knowledge of the appropriate range of referral sources and associated protocols

Knowledge of legislative requirements and provisions relevant to area of service delivery and delegated responsibility

Awareness of own values and attitudes and their potential impact on clients

Understanding of specific limitations of work role, responsibility and professional abilities

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Use appropriate interpersonal skills and general knowledge to identify and respond in an appropriate manner to domestic violence, in particular to:

maintain confidentiality and manage subtleties of confidentiality whilst following policy and procedures in all aspects of responding to domestic violence

establish confidence with clients through appropriate interpersonal styles and methods

identify and assess client needs including consideration of the physical and emotional safety of clients and their family

assist clients to select appropriate services from a range provided by the organisation and other agencies which match client needs

depending on the work program or services provided apply specific knowledge of particular groups or issues (e.g. alcohol and other drugs (AOD), same-sex relationships, religious, survivors/victims, users of violence, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander issues, mental health, non-English speaking background)

interpret accurately and comply with legal and procedural requirements

understand limitations of their own work role and responsibilities in relation to service delivery

refer clients to other relevant agencies in a professional manner giving enough relevant information to maximise the possibility of the client taking up the referral

In addition, the candidate must be able to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

These include the ability to:

Demonstrate application of skills in:

response, for example, responding sensitively and appropriately to disclosure, responding sensitively to cultural issues, and maintaining confidentiality for people who have experienced domestic violence.

questioning and active listening to establish client confidence and facilitate disclosure

problem solving for a defined range of predictable problems, for example when client needs are identified as lying outside a worker's particular professional role the worker should offer the client accurate and current information about appropriate services and providers

collaboration between worker, client, client's family and co-workers and with other service providers

validation of client's experience of violence

literacy and communication in relation to analysis, evaluation and presentation of information including preparing documents and reports related to client needs and service delivery issues

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this unit of competency:

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

This unit will be most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions

Assessment of performance should be over a period of time covering all categories within the Range Statement statements that are applicable in the learning environment
This will include contexts applicable to the work environment, such as actual or simulated workplace situations involving a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary forms of evidence

Access and equity considerations:

All workers in community services should be aware of access, equity and human rights issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

This unit can be delivered and assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other community services units of competency is encouraged

Resources required for assessment of this unit include access to:

an appropriate workplace where assessment can take place or simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment

Where assessment is conducted within the workplace there are no resource implications above those normally available in the workplace

Where assessment is conducted in a simulated or non-workplace environment then access to the necessary equipment and research resources should be provided

Access to simulated exercises, case studies related to service delivery issues will also be required if non-workplace assessment paths are utilised

Method of assessment:

Evidence will be determined by selection from the Range Statement, justified in terms of work requirements, work roles and responsibilities and occupational specialisations

Evidence for assessment of competence may be gathered by appropriate combination of the following:

demonstration of competency within the working environment in identifying and responding to domestic violence

where there is not an opportunity to cover all relevant aspects in the work environment, the remainder should be assessed through realistic simulations, projects, previous relevant experience or oral questioning on 'What if?' scenarios

observation of processes and procedures, oral and/or written questions on Essential knowledge and skills and consideration of required attitudes

where performance is not directly observed and/or is required to be demonstrated over a period of time and/or in a number of locations, any evidence should be authenticated by colleagues, supervisors, clients or other appropriate persons

review of any documentation produced by the candidate related to identifying and responding to domestic violence


Range Statement

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Work may relate to:

Specific groups, issues or communities e.g. Health issues of young people from particular cultural, religious, sub-cultural backgrounds and/or geographical areas

Monitoring, evaluation and research activities

Policy development

Assessment

Individual casework

Community development

Referrals

Child protection work

Provision of information/materials

Project development and implementation

Client may include:

Individuals (inclusive of children, youth, adults and the aged)

Those referred or self-referred

Voluntary and involuntary

People with specific needs seeking access to services

Survivors/victims of domestic violence, their families and friends

Users of violence and their families

Underpinning values and philosophies in responding to domestic and family violence include:

The safety and well being of those subjected to domestic violence must be the first priority of any response

All individuals have the right to be free from violence

The community has a responsibility to work toward the prevention of domestic violence and to demonstrate the unacceptability of all forms of domestic violence

All forms of domestic violence are unacceptable in any group, culture or creed

Those who use violence should take responsibility for their behaviour and have access to programs to assist them change their behaviour to ensure the safety of their family

A commitment to meeting the needs and upholding the rights of clients

A commitment to empowering those affected by domestic violence

Domestic violence is widespread and complex

Domestic violence impacts on the physical, emotional, social, and financial well being and safety of individuals in families

Domestic violence and abuse has devastating effects on family members and results in significant social and economic costs to the community

Social, historical, political and economic context:

Statutory framework within which work takes place

Historical context of work e.g. changing attitudes to domestic violence; changing approaches to working with people affected by domestic violence

Changing social context of work e.g. previous, current and changing government and societal views of domestic violence and approaches to working with clients

Political context e.g. government policies and initiatives affecting domestic violence work

Economic context e.g. current economic situation as it relates to and affects domestic violence and the subsequent impact on client needs and the effects of economic deprivation and control on clients attempting to escape domestic violence

Support processes will need to include at least one of the following:

Performance feedback

Debriefing

Training and development

Supervision

Rights and responsibilities may include:

Rights of safety

Rights under common law

Rights outlined under relevant standards/principles and charters (e.g. UN declaration on rights of the child)

Rights under the Constitution

Rights and responsibilities under legislation (e.g. freedom of information and child protection legislation)

Guidelines relating to parameters of confidentiality/ client consent

Worker's code of ethics

Rights of victim to crime compensation

Interpersonal skills may include:

Means by which an emotionally safe and empathic environment is created

Means for communicating with people with disabilities or where English is not the first language

Methods of communicating with different age, religious, gender and sexual identity groups

Non-judgemental communication techniques

Using strategies that empower client to ensure safety of client and family

Cultural, sub-cultural awareness/sensitivity

Demonstrating empathy

Using appropriate body language

Reflecting, summarising and paraphrasing

Asking open-ended questions

The ability to ask direct questions about violence in a sensitive and appropriate way

Using conflict management skills if appropriate

Recognition of client/worker power differences

Maintaining confidentiality

If needed, use of a qualified interpreter whose involvement will not jeopardise the safety of the client or client's family

Active listening

Specific needs relating to clients may include, but are not limited to those:

Who have a disability

Who come from diverse cultural and sub-cultural backgrounds

Whose preferred or main language is not English

Who are aged or young

Who live in a remote or rural location

Who are in same-sex relationships

Who are of a particular gender

With a dual diagnosis

Whose religious beliefs or practices need to be considered

Who have addiction or dependency issues

Who have mental health issues

Who come from an aboriginal background

Who come from a Torres Strait Islander background

Interviews and interactions with clients can be either informal or formal and include:

Scheduled or impromptu

Via telephone or in person

Separate interviews

Through a qualified interpreter whose involvement will not jeopardise the safety of the client or client's family

Other specialist assistance

Those conducted in a safe environment which encourages disclosure when appropriate

Organisation standards and procedures may include those relating to:

Client and worker safety

Collection and storage of information

Client interview protocols and procedures

Code of conduct/code of ethics

Principles and implementation of duty of care and rights of client to self determination

Departmental, inter-departmental regulations, protocols and procedures relevant to work role and responsibilities

Inter-agency practice and protocols

Use of interpreter and interpreter services

Organisation mission statement and/or philosophy

Eligibility criteria for accessing particular services

Completion of forms and applications

Guidelines relating to confidentiality/client consent

Occupational health and safety

Debriefing and supervision

Industry standards

Legislative and statutory requirements may include:

Relevant State/territory/Commonwealth legislation (e.g. domestic violence, guardianship, disability services, immigration, anti-discrimination, child protection, legal practice legislation)

International conventions relating to the rights of children and young people

Relevant international conventions on civil and human rights

Freedom of information legislation

Client needs and associated services and or strategies may include, but are not limited to:

Safety, physical and emotional security

Assistance to gain economic support

Protection from financial exploitation

Immediate and appropriate responses which aim to ensure/maintain safety

Legal or medical information and support

Accommodation/transportation

Access to services/information

Counselling (individual, family or group focused)

Referrals to specialist services

Referrals to community support and/or education groups

Establishment of community networks

Domestic violence awareness raising programs

Provision of assistance to address issues, gather information and locate other resources

Advocacy

Mechanisms that could be used to collect information could include:

Interviews with clients, family, significant others and carers

Questionnaires

Applications and other forms

Case documentation

Using specialist communicators

Classification tools

Client consent (verbal or written)

Information from professionals including medical reports

Information from service providers

Previous file records

Risk may refer to client, client's family and/or worker and be indicated by the following:

Self identification of risk

Evidence of physical injuries

Threat to safety

Current or previous criminal charges for assault of client by partner/ex-partner

Current or previous police involvement

Objective assessment of client's current ability to protect self and children from further assault or harm

Threat or attempts to self-harm

Feelings of depression, anger, low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, emotional distress or sleep disturbances

Medical problems such as overuse of tranquillisers, or alcohol, drug or substance abuse

Intimidation and harassment

Client being denied access to funds, resources or medications

Existing or previous orders relating to domestic violence (e.g. Apprehended violence order), or breach of orders

Avoidance of discussion regarding possible abuse

Implausible explanation for injuries

Repeated requests for financial assistance

Other factors that may indicate a history of violence

Children's behaviour and developmental level

Current behaviours of user of violence

Frequent hospital visits/admissions

Current or previous separation

Family court and/or relationship history

Implied or actual threats to harm the worker by user of violence

Appropriate persons may include:

Organisation management, colleagues, supervisor, team members

Acknowledged domestic violence issue specialists

Various community groups representing cultural, sub-cultural, religious, social, ethnic, gender, sexual identity, and age groupings within the community

Government representatives and service providers

Police

Family members, friends, care-givers

Specialist support services for people with specific needs

Behaviour change groups, such as users of violence groups, drug and alcohol groups

Support groups such as survivors/victims of violence groups, community houses, women's networks and refuges, professional associations

Authorities responsible for provision of community and justice administration services, for example, local councils, legal services, such as legal aid, and state and commonwealth agencies


Sectors

Not Applicable


Employability Skills

This unit contains Employability Skills


Licensing Information

Not Applicable