- Services and support for families affected by family and domestic violence
- Thriving Families cutting financial and referral burdens for vulnerable families
- Cook Government and Ngala partnership improving support for victim-survivors and other at-risk groups
Families affected by family and domestic violence (FDV) can now access professional, tailored support in the community through a new partnership, supported by a $790,000 State Government grant.
Under the Thriving Families program, Ngala is opening its parent-child residential unit to families who would not otherwise be able to access its developmental, behavioural and parenting services for financial reasons or lack of a referral.
Delivered by senior childcare nurses and allied health clinicians, Thriving Families offers a range of services including consults with healthcare professionals, access to external community supports and programs, plus group sessions and stays at Ngala's residential parenting service for up to four nights.
Health service providers - including King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth Children's Hospital and community child health nurses - can refer at-risk families to Thriving Families for personalised, culturally secure support. Families are also able to self-refer.
As well as families affected by FDV, Thriving Families provides services for other vulnerable groups, which may include single parents and carers, young parents, culturally and linguistically diverse families, Aboriginal families and caregivers with a disability. Pregnant women are also able to access services through the program.
Ngala has worked with WA families for 130 years and is a recognised leader in parenting and child development services.
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"This partnership between WA Health and Ngala is an important step towards improving the way victim-survivors are supported, ensuring children get the best start to life.
"It will give our most vulnerable access to the expert services they need in a safe and secure setting."
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton:
"Providing services for all women and babies at-risk of family and domestic violence is a priority for the Cook Government.
"This program aims to improve child and maternal health outcomes and provide vulnerable families with an alternative to presenting to a hospital for support."
