Integrated client service delivery, featuring mental health support ...

27The Family Law Courts’ Integrated Client Service Delivery ProgramBuilding the referral networkRelationship building was a key to establishing the referrals network. The Courtsused these broad steps for building the network:12345Identify potential referral network partnersThis was done through a multitude of methods, including by drawing on existingnetworks and partnerships, nationally, regionally and locally, and other researchtechniques to identify candidate partners in each region.Meet to gauge interest from both sides and introduce local staffExplain the Program, clarify what the Courts would bring to the partnership and whatpotential partners might be able to offer.Develop partnership agreementsStatements of Understanding set out how the Courts and their partners would worktogether (the services to be offered, etc). As community organisations often haveminimal resources, the Courts normally took on administrative responsibility fordeveloping the Statements of Understanding.Celebrate the partnerships using a launch or formal signingPartnership launches, including a formal signing and lunch or morning tea gave a senseof occasion and importance to the partnerships.Foster the relationship with staffManagers in the Courts’ registries were expected to arrange reciprocal visits for staff andreferral network partners, and manage the on-going relationship at the local level.