The Andrews Labor Government is teaming up with the Alannah & Madeline Foundation to provide vital support for children leaving home due to family violence or entering out-of-home care.
Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos announced a funding boost for the foundation’s Buddy Bags program, which supports all children and young people in need who are unable to live with their families and are being placed into out-of-home care.
Buddy Bags are backpacks full of new, basic essential items designed to be given to children and young people on arrival in emergency accommodation.
Announcing the $180,000 funding boost over three years, Ms Mikakos thanked the philanthropic community and called on the public to get behind the organisation’s valuable work.
The gift of a toy or a book and some basics like a toothbrush is a vital first step to a child or young person’s recovery during what is a traumatic experience.
Buddy Bags also help restore a sense of safety and security into children's lives.
The Buddy Bag initiative was developed by the Alannah & Madeline Foundation in response to increasing requests from community agencies for essential supplies for children in emergency care who are without basic necessities.
The Foundation has now distributed more than 67,000 Buddy Bags to children entering emergency accommodation across Australia, almost 17,000 of which have been in Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos
“We know how difficult it can be for children to be placed in out-of-home care. The Buddy Bag program helps restore safety and security for many children.”
“When a child goes into out-of-home care, they have often experienced abuse and neglect. Buddy bags are an important first step in providing these children with essential items during a difficult period.”
Quotes attributable to Alannah & Madeline Foundation CEO Lesley Podesta
“The work of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, together with government and corporate partners, has been making a real difference to these children’s lives.”
“We thank the Victorian Government for this generous contribution to this important work.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020