Framework for Action

The framework for action provides a five-year implementation plan and details 18 specific areas of action. Areas of action are divided into two categories (i.e. 'planned' areas for action and areas of action 'currently underway'). Despite this division, these areas of action are all interrelated and contribute to achieving the strategy's key goals and objectives. In addition, it is expected that gains made in each of the areas of action will maximise progress toward the vision of families/whanau living free from violence.

Planned areas for action are summarised under the following key headings

1. Mechanism to promote cross-sector commitment and consistency and to monitor progress.

2. Prioritise Maori-based approaches, early intervention and prevention, and evaluation.

3. Processes to monitor and enforce legal sanctions.

4. Consistency in relevant law, policy and service delivery.

5. Plan of action for preventing violence in Maori communities.

6. Strategy for preventing and/or reducing violence in Pacific communities.

7. Policy for self-referred and non-mandated clients.

8. Research and evaluation programme.

9. Service capacity.

10. Enhance screening and risk assessment.

11. Standards/competencies, best practice guidelines, and mechanisms to maintain competence.

12. Improve access to a range of services.

13. Public education/awareness.

Areas of action that are currently underway

14. Improve inter-agency co-ordination, collaboration and communication.

15. Enhance capacity of Maori, Pacific and other ethnic service providers.

16. Enhance parent education and support services.

17. Promote and increase child advocacy services.

18. Expand and improve home, community, pre-school and school-based services and programmes.

Each of the areas of action also identifies

the lead agency or agencies responsible and other agencies that have an interest in being involved;
links to family violence prevention goals and objectives;
the rationale for progressing the action; and
preliminary targets and measures.

An estimated timeframe for commencing and completing each of the planned areas for action is also provided.

Precise details of how to successfully progress the framework for action have yet to be fully worked through. Further scoping is required and will help clarify the key tasks needed to effectively implement each area of action, the level of community input required, and implications for resources. It may also lead to modifications in the timeframes, targets and, in particular, the measures in this strategy. To ensure a transparent process, the Ministry of Social Development has placed the strategy on its website.