In an Australian first, the Andrews Labor Government is helping more young people move from residential care into a family environment through more comprehensive support.
A new intensive support service will better prepare young people with complex needs to transition from residential care and into home-based care arrangements.
Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos officially launched a trial of the new service in the state’s southern region – called Keep Embracing Your Success – in Dandenong today.
The Keep Embracing Your Success test will help young people aged 13 to 16 address their mental health issues, and develop healthy lifestyle habits and emotional resilience in preparation for living in home-based care.
The $4 million investment is run in partnership with Monash Health, Anglicare Victoria and Mind Australia, bringing together professionals from the mental health, child protection and community sectors.
The service relies on highly-qualified and skilled staff and adopts a holistic approach by involving birth parents, schools and the wider community.
The test will offer separate live-in services for four young women and four young men, followed by an outreach service that connects them to the help they need.
The Government’s $168 million Roadmap for Reform is shifting the children and family services system from crisis response to prevention and early intervention.
In addition, the Victorian Budget 2017/18 funded an extra 100 targeted care packages and nearly 2,000 out-of-home care placements to reduce the number of children living in residential care.
Our Targeted Care Packages have already seen 405 children and young people transitioned out of residential care.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos
“We are transforming residential care into a short term intervention rather than a destination as we transition them to a loving family.”
“The mental health, child protection and community sectors will for the first time work together to help young people get the support they need to stabilise their lives and move into home-based care.”
Quote attributable to Anglicare Victoria CEO Paul McDonald
“This innovative, new approach will give young people the best chance to thrive and move into a stable home or live independently.”
Quote attributable to Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams
“This vital project will transform the way we provide support to some of our most vulnerable children and young people in out-of-home care.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020