- Cook Government extends record funding to support vulnerable children and families through further investments in Workforce and Out of Home Care
- $172 million invested to finalise transition to the new Out of Home Care system with an additional 113 care arrangements supported
- $30.9 million committed to boost the number of frontline child protection workers in Western Australia
The Cook Government has extended its record investment in support of Western Australia's most vulnerable children and families.
A further $172 million has been committed to complete the transition to the new out-of-home care system.
This funding will support an extra 113 care arrangements across the sector, including:
- specialised high-needs options for young people with disabilities;
- additional group and complex-care arrangements; and
- increased regional-care arrangements to further support children to remain on Country.
The significant funding injection builds on the $403 million investment since the 202324 State Budget to support the Cook Government's major reform to the out-of-home care sector.
Key priorities of the reform include greater stability for children entering care, improved opportunities for reunification, more Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, and ensuring greater cultural connection.
The State Government is also providing a $30.9 million boost over the next four years to support a further 55 child protection workers by 2025-26.
Comments attributed to Child Protection Minister Sabine Winton:
"The Cook Government is committed to supporting Western Australia's most vulnerable children and families.
"I'm pleased that our Government has transitioned more than 90 per cent ofchildren and young people to the new out-of-home care system.
"This additional investment will complete the transition, ensuring better quality care arrangements for children and young people.
"Importantly, this funding boost will also help increase the child protection workforce.
"Having met with hundreds of child protection workers across our State, I know what an incredible job they do each and every day in supporting those in need.
"Our Government is proud to have invested more than ever in child protection across early intervention, workforce, and out-of-home care."
