The Queensland Government is investing $425 million over the five years from 2014–15 to 2018–19 to implement the reforms to the child protection and family support system, and better support the state's most vulnerable families and children.
In 2016-17, the government will continue to invest in initiatives and services to support Queensland families earlier and reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in care.
Further details are outlined in the media statement, Vital funds delivered to keep children, women safe, boost jobs.
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In 2015-16, an investment of almost $55 million will include:
$9.3 million to continue and expand Family and Child Connect services across the state.
This includes new funding of $4.5 million for six new Family and Child Connect services in Brisbane, Mackay, Mount Isa–Gulf, Cairns and surrounds, Cape York and Torres Strait. These services assess the needs of families who are struggling to cope and connect them directly to the support services they need. By 2016, Queensland will have 19 Family and Child Connect services, with funding of $39.78 million over three years, which is estimated to help 35,000 families.
$24.2 million to continue and expand intensive family support and domestic and family violence services, targeting vulnerable families with multiple and complex needs
This includes new funds of $3.8 million for new intensive family support services in Brisbane, Mackay, Mount Isa–Gulf, Cairns and surrounds, Cape York and Torres Strait. These services will help develop parenting skills, establish household routines and manage children's behaviour. They will also offer practical help with household budgeting, transport to appointments (e.g. with health professionals), and securing and maintaining stable housing.
$3.3 million to continue delivering the statewide network of Next Step After Care Services
These targeted, post-care support services help young people aged 15–21 years during the crucial transition from out-of-home care to independence.
A new trauma-informed therapeutic framework will improve outcomes for children and young people in residential care and independent living facilities, by better supporting them to recover from trauma they may have experienced.
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In 2014-15, an investment of almost $25 million will include:
$3 million to develop and implement a child protection practice framework to better support families to care for their children at home
The new framework will better equip frontline child protection workers with the contemporary training and tools to support families earlier to care safely for their children, and avoid out-of-home care.
$2.5 million to improve support for young people transitioning from out-of-home care to independence
For the first time, targeted post-care support will continue for young people up to the age of 21 in the crucial transition to independence.
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