Expansion project to provide more opportunities to support those impacted by family violence

We are calling for expressions of interest from community legal centres (CLCs) and other support services as we roll out the expanded Family Advocacy and Support Services program (FASS) across Victoria.

In last year’s budget, the Australian Government dedicated $85 million over three years to expand the national FASS program and provide more legal advice and support at court for those affected by domestic and family violence.

For Victoria, this will ensure the continuation of FASS at the existing permanent Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) registries in Melbourne and Dandenong, as well as a welcome expansion to seven regional circuit locations in Geelong, Warrnambool, Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton, Mildura and Morwell.

FASS will operate at the seven FCFCOA circuit locations on a part-time basis, during circuit sittings.

FASS is an integrated service providing not just legal advice but holistic social supports for those impacted by family violence, including by linking clients with accommodation, financial counselling and drug and alcohol support services.

As part of the funding boost, mental health supports will also be included through FASS for the first time since the program was introduced in 2017.

Implementation of the FASS expansion is due to commence from 1 July 2022.

Call for expressions of interest

We are seeking expressions of interest from services interested in joining FASS.

The expanded FASS model establishes four regional service delivery zones which each require duty lawyer partners as well as family violence support workers and a state-wide mental health support service.

In addition, a family law capacity building function will be delivered by an external partner to support FASS duty lawyers.

We encourage you to look out for the EOIs, which are advertised at the Buying for Victoria website, and to apply.

Applications will be assessed by an evaluation panel comprising representatives from VLA and an external stakeholder.

Successful applicants will enter into a service agreement with VLA for a period of three years from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2025.

More information

Read more about FASS.

If you have any questions, please email the Family Law Projects team fyclprojects@vla.vic.gov.au for questions about the FASS program and FASS Expansion Project and email the Procurement and Contracts team procurementandcontracts@vla.vic.gov.au for questions about the EOI process.