The Andrews Labor Government is expanding the Maternal Child Health (MHC) line, helping 20,000 more new parents get the support they need when they need it most.
Through the MCH phone line, nurses provide parents support and guidance on issues including child health, nutrition, breastfeeding, maternal and family health, and parenting.
The $4.9 million Labor Government investment will create 15 new positions. There are currently 70 MCH nurse positions in the service.
The phone service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and takes more than 300 calls a day on average.
The funding is part of the Labor Government’s landmark $202.1 million Early Childhood Reform Plan, which will deliver better services to parents with young children, as well as improved early intervention for kids who need extra support.
The Reform Plan provides $81.1 million to expand the MCH Line and the Enhanced MCH Service, and fund the expansion of supported playgroups so they are run across Victoria.
The Enhanced MCH Service is a more intensive level of assistance available to families needing the most support.
There are now more than 1,100 MCH nurses in Victoria and 662 physical MCH centres.
Last year the Labor Government invested a record $133 million in the MCH service, to ensure Victoria maintains a world class MCH Service at a time of increasing population.
The Early Childhood Reform Plan is a key part of the Education State for early years and supports the Roadmap for Reform: Strong Families, Safe Children.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos
“Our Maternal and Child Health nurses are the envy of the world.”
“This funding will give more families the support they need when they need it – with more MCH nurses taking more calls 24 hours, seven days per week.”
“We’re investing in improving and expanding the support Victorian mums and dads need to raise happy, healthy kids who are ready for kinder, ready for school and ready for life.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020