South Australia's strongest-ever plan to support our most vulnerable children and families specifically targets the reduction of child abuse and neglect through a range of new measures and actions.
Released for the first-time today, the Marshall Liberal Government's new, comprehensive plan -Roadmap for reforming the Child and Family Support System 2021-2023 - consolidates two years of extensive research, data analysis and consultation into clear actions.
It comes as the Marshall Liberal Government is delivering a record $52 million over the next four years on specific, Intensive Family Support Services across metropolitan Adelaide and across the regions, with the aim of turning the tide and outcomes for our most vulnerable families.
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said the strong plan will deliver a more connected early intervention system and therefore, better outcomes for our families.
"Preventing the abuse and neglect of our children and young people is something that we take incredibly seriously, which is why our efforts are now firmly focused on intervening earlier, and more intensively, with our most vulnerable families across the state," said Minister Lensink.
"This new, comprehensive plan will help deliver a better system of supports and this includes our commitment to continue to trial innovative measures so we can see what really works to help our most vulnerable children and families.
"This is the strongest plan South Australia has ever had for supporting vulnerable families and we know by intervening earlier, we will be reducing family trauma and the devastating effect this has on the next generation.
"Thank you to the hundreds of people – including parents and carers, Aboriginal elders, children who've been through the system, and professionals working on the frontlines – whose input was critical to the plan's development."
Key actions in the roadmap include:
- Making services more responsive to Aboriginal culture and intergenerational trauma
- Support the workforce of child and family practitioners to improve practice across the sector
- Ensuring vulnerable families can receive the right support, at the right time
These actions build on the newly established Adults Supporting Kids (ASK) website, launched at the end of May, which has already seen more than 5000 users gain access to free or low-cost support from close to 1000 providers across the state.
Minister for Child Protection Rachel Sanderson said the child and family support system reform is a major part of the Government's child protection strategy, Safe and well: Supporting families, protecting children.
"The Marshall Liberal Government is committed to ensuring children grow up safe and well in their family, community and culture," said Minister Sanderson.
"That is why we have undertaken significant reform of the Child and Family Support System as a key element of our child protection strategy and by working together, we will be able to support high-risk families earlier.
"We continue to remain focused on improving outcomes for children and young people in care, so they leave care with opportunities to thrive."
To learn more about the reform of the child and family support system, and to read the full roadmap, visit www.dhs.sa.gov.au/cfss.
