The Victorian Government is boosting support to vulnerable children and families in the Werribee electorate with funding for prevention and early intervention support services.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas today announced that organisations in the Western Melbourne area will receive an additional $978,638.30 to deliver integrated family services to more families at risk of becoming involved with child protection and out-of-home care.

This latest investment is part of the Victorian Government’s commitment of $29.2 million in the 2017-18 Budget for Child FIRST and integrated family services. It will help identify families at risk earlier and connect them with the right support services when they need it.

Through this funding boost, families in Melbourne’s West will have increased access to a more intensive integrated family services case management response. This may include outreach, in home support, family decision making, group work, counselling, brokerage, support accessing universal services and secondary consultations.

As part of the Government’s partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and Community Service Organisations (CSOs) to support Aboriginal self-determination, an additional $3.2 million has been provided to ACCOs to deliver integrated family services in 2017-18.

The 2017-18 Budget commitment also included $5.1 million to trial and evaluate evidence-based programs that improve family capability and child safety.

The funding boost supports the Victorian Government’s landmark Roadmap for Reform to shift the children and family services system from crisis response to prevention and early intervention.

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas

 “All children and families deserve to live safe, healthy and happy lives. The Victorian Government is committed to seeing Werribee families receive greater support to achieve that.”

 “Too many families struggle to get the help they need to provide a safe and nurturing home environment. Investment in prevention and early intervention support services will help change that.”