The second edition of the Western Australian Common Risk Assessment and Risk Management Framework (CRARMF), released in 2016, sets common practice standards for family and domestic violence screening, risk assessment, risk management, information sharing and referral for all services – mainstream and specialist, government and community sector.
The purpose of CRARMF is to:
- support better identification of, and response to, victims of family and domestic violence regardless of what area of the service sector they come into contact with;
- ensure service responses are client and safety focused; and
- support inter-agency collaboration so responses are timely, holistic, streamlined and coordinated.
In July 2024, funding was allocated to produce an updated and contemporised CRARMF. This is one of many interrelated initiatives that have been activated in response to the State Government's Strengthening Responses to Family and Domestic Violence: System Reform Plan (2024–2029). In recognition of the higher rates of family violence experienced by Aboriginal women and children this priority work includes the development of a dedicated risk assessment tool to use with Aboriginal families.
This work is underpinned by a review of the current framework and tools commissioned in 2023 by the Department of Communities to identify ways to improve the Framework’s effectiveness and consider best practice approaches to implementation.
The updated CRARMF will build on the elements of the second edition that are already working and to be consistent but flexible enough to meet the needs of different service settings and unique risks and vulnerabilities for priority populations, including Aboriginal people, people from CALD backgrounds, LGBTQI+ people, people with disability and the elderly.
It is anticipated that the updated CRARMF including tools and practice guidance will be released by July 2025.
