❓ A parliamentary question regarding the STEPS program, a perpetrator intervention program in the Peel region, focusing on its funding, role, and future within WA's family and domestic violence response. The answers reveal the Department of Communities does not fund the program and directs further inquiries to WA Police.

I refer to the STEPS program operating in the Peel region which engages more than 500 high risk fathers a year, whose pilot funding is due to expire in 2026, and I ask:(a) what role does the STEPS program currently play within Western Australia's family and domestic violence response framework;(b) has the Department of Communities received and correspondence or request from WA Police regarding the continuation of the funding of the STEPS program, beyond May 2026;(c) has the Department assessed the STEPS program for transition from pilot funding to a core services;(d) if yes to (d), what was the outcome of that assessment;(e) how many referrals were made to the STEPS program in:(i) 2023-24; and(ii) 2024-25;(f) what alternative perpetrator intervention programs are available to individuals referred by WA Police in the Peel region; and(g) if the STEPS program ceases operation, what pathway will exist for high-risk perpetrators identified by WA Police in the Peel region?

(a) STEPS is one of many perpetrator intervention programs which are part of Western Australia’s response to family and domestic violence. (b) The Department of Communities advises it has not received correspondence or requests from WA Police on this matter. (c) The Department of Communities does not fund the STEPS program. (d) Not applicable. (e) Communities does not fund the STEPS program. (f) Information about WA Police referral pathways in the Peel region should be referred to WA Police. (g) Information about WA Police referral pathways in the Peel region should be referred to WA Police.