Up to 108 of Loddon Mallee’s most vulnerable families will get extra protection thanks to a significant boost in funding for early intervention services for families.
Minister for Community Services Lisa Neville today released details of $4.7 million in allocations to the Child FIRST (Child and Family Information, Referral and Support Teams) and family services across Victoria for the next four years.
“We understand that Victorians are concerned about the safety of all our children that is why we recently announced a $77.2 million boost to our child protection sector,” Ms Neville said.
“Every child in Victoria deserves the right to grow up and be educated in a stable, positive home environment, and sometimes outside support makes all the difference.
“The funding will enable Child FIRST and family services to provide an additional 17,600 hours of support to up to 1,760 vulnerable families across Victoria.”
Ms Neville said the Loddon Mallee Region would receive $287,633 over four years to provide an additional 1,082 hours of support to 108 local families each year.
“Child FIRST and family services will assist families by providing supports that focus on the safety and well being of children and young people” she said.
“Families with complex needs and children whose development would be threatened without extra help can be diverted away from child protection and linked through Child FIRST to the right support service.
“Children, young people and their families will be connected to the services they need and this can help build capacity and resilience for children, families and communities
Help could include parent support groups, counselling, parenting and household management, as well as in home support and basic health and educational support for children, such as financial aid for clothes, books or household goods.
“Child FIRST is a vital part of the broader child and family service system provided by community organisations and the child protection system, providing a central community-based referral point to a range of family support services.”