The Andrews Labor Government is expanding three early intervention programs in Ballarat, Geelong and Frankston to put an end to young people committing family violence.
There is growing evidence that young people under the age of 18 commit a significant proportion of family violence offences.
This program targets young people aged between 12 and 18 years of age. It aims to reduce family violence committed by adolescents and increase safety with family-based case management and group-based support.
Priority will be given to Aboriginal families, families being parented by a sole female parent or carer and families where the adolescent has younger siblings.
Young people who access the service will address issues that contribute to their offending, such as drug and alcohol misuse, mental health, homelessness and disengagement from education.
The program also works to strengthen relationships between parents and young people, and bolster communication and problem-solving skills.
More than 190 families in the Barwon, Central Highlands and Bayside Peninsula areas have previously accessed the service.
Child and Family Services Ballarat, Barwon Child and Youth and Family and Peninsula Health will each receive an additional $233,000 in 2016-17 to support close to 100 more families.
The Royal Commission into Family Violence recommended that the Adolescent Family Violence Program be rolled-out across Victoria, and an evaluation into this service is currently underway.
Earlier this year, the Government’s $168 million Roadmap for Reform was introduced to shift the children and family services system from crisis response to prevention and early intervention.
It includes major investments in support services, extra child protection workers, culturally sensitive support for Aboriginal children, and more foster and kinship carers – including Aboriginal carers.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos
“We know that early intervention is crucial in stopping family violence, and we’re determined to set young people on the right path.”
“This is an important step in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of family members and carers, particularly in families with a sole parent or younger siblings.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020