April 2005

New farm a home for troubled young people

A new 33-hectare farm will use animal care, horticulture and intensive therapy to help troubled young people rebuild their lives.

Minister for Children Sherryl Garbutt said the Government was in the process of purchasing a property on Melbourne’s fringe to house up to eight vulnerable young people in State care.

The Government has provided around $3.2 million for the initial purchase, set-up and operation of the farm program.

‘The farm program is the first of its kind in Victoria and will take young people away from their everyday lives in the city to provide a fresh start in a semi-rural setting,’ Ms Garbutt said.

‘Experienced staff will live on site and provide 24-hour supervision and care to young people.

‘They will attend school and undertake chores and daily activities while receiving intensive therapy and support from professionals.

‘Young people will grow their own fruit and vegetables, care for animals and learn valuable skills about living on the land.

‘An on-site mechanical workshop will also be available.

‘These activities will build a young person’s self-esteem and sense of responsibility while developing skills for future employment.’

The Government is exploring other on-site educational and vocational training options for the farm.

Young people on the farm will also have access to the innovative $20 million Take Two Service, which treats young people who have suffered abuse and neglect.

‘This service will provide intensive therapeutic treatment to help young people overcome their trauma and get on with their lives,’ Ms Garbutt said.

‘We believe the farm project will make a real difference to troubled young people and provide a safe haven for them to build a positive future.’

The initiative is part of the Government’s 55 per cent funding boost for child and family support services since 1999.

An experienced community service agency will be appointed to manage the program once the sale is finalised.

The farm is expected to be operational by next year.

The new farm and Take Two are key parts of the Government’s strategy to help troubled youngsters rebuild their lives.

Other initiatives include:

• $5.3 million over four years for a Finding Solutions program, a statewide mediation program to prevent breakdown of relationships between teenagers and their families;

• $296,000 mentoring program operated by Reach and Whitelion to provide positive role models and support for young people in residential care;

• $32 million has been allocated since 2000 to build new residential homes for young people and refurbish existing homes;

• Appointment of Advocate for Children in Care Toby O’Connor to strengthen and drive improvements in the out-of-home care system.