The state government, in collaboration with the Bouverie Centre, is committed to enhancing and further developing effective ways of working with clients and family members/significant others affected by problem gambling. To this end, the Victorian Government has funded The Bouverie Centre for two years to assist Gambler’s Help services in showcasing their existing work with families, as well as, to provide staff training in a variety of evidence-based family inclusive practices. Ongoing organisational support will be provided to help ensure such practices are translated into service delivery and outcomes.
Consultation with Gambler’s Help services will run from late 2009 through early 2010, during which time we plan to undertake the mapping of current family inclusive practices and the identification of goals, strengths, challenges and gaps in practice ideals across organisations. After existing family inclusive practices have been identified, The Bouverie Centre plans to share this information with the wider service sector, and then invite Expressions of Interest from Services wishing to take part in the selection and implementation of one of a range of Family Inclusive approaches.
Cooperative Inquiry Groups (groups comprising staff from participating organisations) will be formed around each Family Inclusive Approach in order to facilitate implementation of each practice innovation, promoting cross service linkages in the process and enhancing sustainability. Cooperative Inquiry Groups are a component of an action research approach to implementation, and will be facilitated by members of the Bouverie project team.
For further details, please contact Michelle Wills, via phone at 03 9385 5100 or via e-mail: m.wills@latrobe.edu.au
