Families with Multiple and Complex Needs

This report by the Department of Human Services is a Best interests case practice model - Specialist practice resource. People with complex needs may have to negotiate several issues in their life, such as physical or mental illness, substance abuse and disability. They may be living in deprived circumstances and lack access to suitable housing, employment or meaningful daily activities. Each individual with multiple and complex needs has unique concerns tied closely to the interaction between his/her social, economic and health care needs, and so requires an individualised response. Within child protection and family intervention work, the phrase ‘multiple and complex needs’ can be used to refer to families presenting with circumstances and behaviours that are having negative consequences for family members, particularly children. (APO 23/8/12)