Ministry of Justice update on domestic violence programme changes

The Ministry of Justice has provided an update for providers outlining its procurement approach, transition process and specific programme types, in relation to the changes to the procurement and funding of domestic violence programmes due to come into effect on 1 October 2014.

The information is available in the Ministry of Justice Domestic Violence Service Provider Update: Transitioning to the New Framework document (May 2014). Key points are outlined below.

Procurement

The Ministry will assess all service providers against the new approval criteria under 51B(1) of the Act. The provider must be able to:

• Demonstrate a credible history of working in applicable domestic violence services;
• Meet the Ministry of Social Development Standards for Approval at level 2;
• Demonstrate an ability to meet the Ministry of Justice domestic violence provider Code of Practice relevant to the approval type sought.

Providers will be approved to provide specific programme types. These are:

• Adult safety programme – women or men;
• Child inclusive safety programme;
• Assessment (non-violence programmes);
• Non-violence programme – men or women.

Providers will be assessed against the new approval criteria and undergo a transition process to the new framework. The Ministry will conduct an initial assessment on existing programme information, ability to meet the approval criteria, information on Ministry of Social Development audits, performance issues and whether the provider is an approved level 2 provider under the MSD Contracting for Social Services - Standards for Approval.

Providers which have submitted or initiated programmes for approval with the Ministry within the last two years will be considered potential providers.

Providers which meet requirements will be offered a contract(s) which will detail further programme delivery details. Providers which do not meet requirements will be offered the opportunity to discuss and address issues with the Ministry.

On an ongoing basis, the Ministry will seek new applications to address identified service gaps through a targeted procurement process, open to new service providers and existing service providers to expand delivery services.

Programmes

Programmes will be governed by a principles-based approach, enabling providers to develop and tailor programmes to individual needs without seeking approval for changes. The five principles are:

• The safety of protected people and their children is paramount;
• Respondents must be held accountable for their behaviour;
• Programmes should be responsive to the individual needs of participants;
• Challenging domestic violence requires a sustained commitment to safe and research-informed practice;
• Improving safety and accountability is best achieved through an integrated, systemic response that ensures agencies work together.

The next update from the Minstry of Justice will address the new contracting framework, Results Based Accountability and the Code of Practice.

Read more about Ministry of Justice and Department of Corrections changes to domestic violence programmes.