- Published:
- Wednesday, 24 January 2018
The Andrews Labor Government is trialling innovative new ways to support vulnerable families at risk of involvement with child protection or out-of-home care.
Visiting MacKillop Family Services in Geelong, Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos today announced $6.1 million to test a range of evidence-based programs to better protect children and keep them out of the child protection system.
The funding will establish five new programs - including MacKillop's Australian-first Multisystemic Therapy (MST) Psych intervention program - and continues two leading projects by OzChild in Victoria's south - all backed by rigorous evidence.
They focus on a range of issues, including family conflict resolution for new and expecting parents, emotional awareness and addressing anti-social, suicidal and violent behaviour.
MacKillop’s MST Psych program, to be delivered in partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency and the Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative, will operate out of two locations in Melbourne's west and Barwon.
MST has been shown to be successful for over 40 years in the United States, where it originated, and now operates in more than 30 countries.
All five pilot programs form part of the Andrews Labor Government’s new strategy to ensure services are evidence based, improve outcomes and improve support to some of the state’s most vulnerable people.
Child and family services will be able to share their experience and knowledge about evidence-based programs and practice across the sector through the newly established Outcomes, Practice and Evidence Network (OPEN) – led by the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare.
The pilot programs are helping deliver the Labor Government’s Roadmap for Reform by testing new or strengthened approaches to better support families, children and young people.
Quote attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos
“We know prevention and early intervention are the most effective way of keeping kids safe which is why we’re investing in new trials that will help families provide a safe and stable home.”
Quote attributable to Member for Lara John Eren
“It’s vital we invest in services that have a strong body of evidence and make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children and young people.”
Quote attributable to Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare CEO Deb Tsorbaris
"The Centre is pleased to support evidence-based programs that aim to improve outcomes for children, young people and families."