Victorian Consolidated Legislation

Community Services Act 1970 - SECT 5

PART I DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY WELFARE SERVICES

Principles guiding the Department

5. Principles guiding the Department

The practice and provision of community services by the Department are to be
guided by the following principles-

   (a)  communities should be assisted to identify and to meet the continuing
        and emerging needs of families and individuals within those
        communities;

   (b)  community services should assist the community in protecting from harm
        and exploitation those in the community who are vulnerable because of
        age, disability or circumstances;

   (c)  community services should assist in protecting the community and
        helping, directing and controlling children and young people who have
        committed offences and are subject to the order or determination of a
        court;

   (d)  community services should be developed, and community programmes
        should be administered, at regional and local levels in co-operation
        and conjunction with government departments, local government and
        non-government organisations;

   (e)  community services should be accessible to the public and information
        about community services should be made widely available;



   (f)  the co-ordination of community services planning and delivery should
        be promoted by co-operating with providers and consumers of
        community services;

   (g)  voluntary participation and the involvement of self-help groups and
        consumers should be encouraged in the planning, development and
        carrying out of community services;

   (h)  the provision and future development of community services should
        attempt to-

   (i)  redress social and economic inequities and in so doing give priority
        to groups and individuals in greatest need; and

   (ii) promote choice and maximise the participation of people in decisions
        which affect their lives; and

   (iii) protect the rights of individuals in their relationship with services
        and service providers.