Funding for flexible early intervention and support services will be rolled out across the Western region of Melbourne to help more vulnerable families and children, with the Andrews Labor Government allocating an additional $9.3 million over four years.

Tim Pallas, Member for Werribee said vulnerable families and children in Werribee would benefit from a shared $662,344 in funding over four years.

Flexible support packages help families receiving Child FIRST and Integrated Family Services in practical ways such as meeting the cost of baby safety equipment or undertaking specialised counselling or treatment services.

With different areas of Victoria facing different challenges, flexible support packages allow local support services to best meet the individual needs of families through tailored support.

The Labor Government is investing in early intervention and family services to tackle issues early, reducing demand for child protection and other support services down the track.

This investment is part of the Labor Government’s record $257 million funding boost to child protection and family services in the 2015–16 Victorian Budget – a 17 per cent increase on the previous year. This included a $48.1 million boost to Child FIRST and Family Services, the biggest boost in a decade.

The Labor Government is examining the entire child protection and family services system from the ground up as part of its Roadmap for Reform project to drive improvements and strengthen support for vulnerable Victorian children and families.

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee, Tim Pallas

“We know that helping families before problems reach crisis point keeps children safer, which is why we are boosting early intervention services.”

“This funding for flexible packages will help families and children in Werribee in practical ways that can make all the difference.”

“Our local support services understand the challenges facing families here and with more support they can help them early on to get the assistance they need.”