May 2008

$39.3 million to support children and families

Victoria’s most vulnerable children will benefit from the Government’s $39.3 million 2008–09 State Budget package.

Community Services Minister Lisa Neville said key initiatives in the child protection package were:

•           $5.2 million over two years for a pilot program to provide intensive therapeutic care to significantly abused and traumatised children by employing more staff with highly specialised qualifications at residential care facilities;

•           $14.4 million over four years for a kinship support package to employ 18 new kinship care support workers to facilitate support groups for carers, run information and training sessions and provide case management support in complex cases;

•           $19.7 million over four years to help caregivers meet the expenses of children in their care, such as healthcare and education costs.

Ms Neville said the $5.2 million therapeutic care pilot program would target children and young people with extremely complex needs.

‘The therapeutic care pilot program will be trialled in at least 12 residential care units, increasing staffing levels to improve the level of care and engagement of young people.’

Ms Neville said the $14.4 million kinship support package would support 320 kinship care placements in 2008–09, of which 40 will be targeted to Aboriginal children.

The service is planned to eventually grow to 30 workers providing services to 500 placements, of which 100 will be targeted at Aboriginal children.

‘The growth in kinship care means more children remain connected to their families and communities, providing more continuity and stability in their lives.’

The Government is also providing $5.2 million over four years for free kindergarten programs of up to five hours a week for three-year-old children known to child protection services.