Vulnerable families in the Werribee electorate are set to benefit from a new intensive family and early parenting support program.

Member for Werribee, Tim Pallas announced the Andrews Labor Government is investing $789,921 over two years in The Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency’s Werribee Office’s early intervention and prevention program, with a range of local programs and outreach programs in Melton and Brimbank.

Cradle to Kinder is an ante and post natal support service for vulnerable young mothers – aged 25 and under – and their families, commencing in pregnancy and continuing until the child reaches four years of age.

Parents who participate in the program are supported to build their capabilities to provide for their child’s health, safety and development, as well as developing their own self-reliance through linking to education, vocational training and employment.

Evidence shows that early support services – such as home visits, tailored to a family’s circumstances – can significantly improve parenting and a child’s long-term health, development and success at school.

A total of $19 million is being invested over two years to grow the Cradle to Kinder program from eight to 17 sites and the Aboriginal Cradle to Kinder program from two to 10 locations across Victoria.

The Andrews Government’s $168 million Roadmap for Reform was introduced to shift the children and family services system from crisis response to prevention and early intervention.

This included $33.9 million over two years to support the development of a new early years service for vulnerable families. Expanding Cradle to Kinder is the Andrews Government’s first step in developing the new service.

Quotes attributable to Tim Pallas, State Member for Werribee

“Cradle to Kinder supports families to be the best they can be and set the foundations for a lifetime of health and wellbeing.”

“I’m pleased to see the Andrews Labor Government is investing in the Werribee electorate’s vulnerable families to help them get the best possible start in life.”