Update on commencement of Phase 2

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we are delaying the September 2020 commencement of Phase 2 of the CISS, the FVISS and the Family Violence Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management Framework (MARAM).

It is now proposed to commence in the first half of 2021.

This delay will support the critical role educators and universal health services play in Victoria.

Existing legislative frameworks for appropriate information sharing remain in place in cases where there are concerns for the safety of children and victim survivors of family violence. Mandatory reporting also remains in place where there are concerns for the safety of children.

Preparation for the commencement of Phase 2 in 2021 is continuing. Departments and agencies continue to develop a range of supports, such as toolkits, online briefings and workshops to support the implementation of CISS, FVISS and MARAM.

The Victorian Government has introduced two reforms that will be integral to promoting the wellbeing and safety of children and reducing family violence:

  • the Child Information Sharing Scheme (CISS), which enables prescribed organisations and services to share information to promote the wellbeing and safety of children, and
  • the Family Violence Information Sharing Scheme (FVISS), which enables prescribed organisations and services to share information to facilitate assessment and management of family violence risk to children and adults.

Together, these reforms create a more collaborative, integrated system that will help improve outcomes for all Victorian children and families.

To reduce family violence and promote the wellbeing and safety of children - laws relating to information sharing have changed.

General information to assist transparency requirements in Information Privacy Principle 5.1 and Health Privacy Principle 5.1

Laws governing the management of information about people involved in family violence, and the safety and wellbeing of children have changed.

The FVISS and the CISS change the way information about victim survivors, perpetrators, alleged perpetrators and other people involved in family violence, or child wellbeing or safety information may be collected, used and shared.

Part 5A of the Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic) and Part 6A of the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 (Vic) with their supporting regulations, permit key organisations to share current and previously collected information relating to family violence risk and the wellbeing or safety of children – to keep people safe and perpetrators of violence in view.

The first group of organisations joined the FVISS on February 2018, so that they are better able to share information. Both the next phase of this scheme (which involves further organisations coming on board, and the first phase of the CISS commenced on 27 September 2018. 

You can find more information about the Family Violence Sharing Scheme and the Child Information Sharing Scheme (External link)

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