Max Hatzoglou
Up to 200 families involved in the justice system from Brimbank to Melton areas will receive more support through a single case manager rather than multiple staff from different services.
The ‘pilot project’ by the Andrews Labor government will make it easier for family members to have their needs and goals heard and prioritised through this initiative.
The single case manager will support families in providing access to legal, financial, mental health, housing and family violence services and other supports.
Services will be delivered in partnership with service orgainisations led by OzChild, including the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency, which will help meet the needs of Aboriginal children and families.
The Australian African Foundation for Retention and Opportunity, and Charis Youth and Community, will also work with families with African and Pasifika backgrounds.
The government is spending $1.2 billion towards providing support for at-risk children, their families and carers in the Victorian Budget 2021-22.
Corrections, crime prevention, youth justice and victim support minister and Sydenham MP Natalie Hutchins said the program will benefit communities.
“By working in more coordinated and intensive ways we can improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable Victorian families,” Ms Hutchins said.
Child protection and family services minister Anthony Carbines said the new model will stop families from losing connection to services and support.
“Working with one case worker instead of several will mean families do not have to keep re-telling their stories and will prevent problems falling through the cracks – keeping vulnerable children safe and families connected.”
OzChild chief executive Dr Lisa J. Griffiths said it will bring good outcomes.
“Reduced offending, improved child and parental health and increased school attendance rates are just some of the many positive outcomes we will see by centralising support via the Putting Families First initiative.”
