Social work assessments relating to customers experiencing family and domestic violence 003-12050000

The assessment of family and domestic violence can be required for:

• Customers who refuse or are reluctant to take action to receive child support due to fear of family and domestic violence, who have been referred to a social worker for a recommendation, or to exercise the delegation on the granting of an exemption. Assessment of these cases can also be undertaken jointly by the social worker and the Indigenous Specialist Officer (ISO)
• Customers who advise that they and/or their family may experience family and domestic violence if they request their partner to lodge their income tax return/s, the social worker can assess the customer's situation to consider deferral of the Prohibition of Family Tax Benefit Instalment Payments (PIP) for up to 6 months
• When an assuree applies for income support from Centrelink and claims that they are escaping a situation of family and domestic violence and that they are fearful of the assurer's reaction to them claiming payments, a social worker will discuss the situation with the assuree before any contact with the assurer is made

Note: if the customer has mutual obligation requirements, which are impacted by family and domestic violence, see Exempting a job seeker from mutual obligation requirements due to special circumstances.

In line with a zero tolerance approach to harm of children, if a staff member in the course of their duties observes behaviour, which raises concerns about a child or young person's safety, Services Australia sets out specific steps that must be taken. Follow the agencies Risk Identification and Reporting model when identifying and responding to child safety concerns. See Risk identification and management of threats to the safety or welfare of a child for more information regarding this model and the agencies commitment to the safety of children and young people.