Family Strengths and Needs Assessment

DCJ is planning to introduce the Family Strengths and Needs Assessment (FSNA) approach to the NSW child protection system. The FSNA is used to identify a family’s strengths that will help them to keep a child safe. It supports the creation of strong Family Action Plans for Change, by better understanding a child and family’s needs.

Changes to make better decisions for children

The changes will:

• identify strengths and needs by looking at risk and safety of the child
• support family, community and networks to participate in the FSNA to develop a case plan in partnership with the family
• facilitate putting the right help in place for families, based on evidence and need for a child, caregivers, and family.

Progress

• The first meeting of the FSNA stakeholder group was in early December 2022.
• Focus groups with stakeholders have started in 2023. Learn more about the consultation process.
• Consultation continues and work has commenced on the design to determine policy, tool, and practice changes.