No. 11

DEDICATED SUPPORT FOR ‘AT RISK’ INDIGENOUS FAMILIES 

The ACT Government is to take a whole-of-government approach to supporting at-risk Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, allocating more than $500,000 over four years to a new cross-portfolio initiative. 

Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said an integrated and coordinated approach would draw together health, education and family support services.  

“The initiative will target those Indigenous families where statutory intervention looms, but might be prevented with earlier and more concerted support,” Mr Stanhope said.

“The Government will allocate $556,000 over four years to streamline and coordinate the delivery of services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families at risk,  providing culturally appropriate early intervention to help families work through their difficulties.

“Under this initiative, education, health and family support services will work together under a single integrated case management model. Our objective is to improve outcomes for at-risk Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders families, particularly in regard to easing the transition of youngsters to school and their transition from primary to high school.  

“The case management model will ensure the focus remains on families and will help improve the way ACT Government services work in partnership with Indigenous families.  This is consistent with the approach outlined in the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Family Wellbeing Plan.

“In partnership with relevant community agencies, this initiative will identify opportunities for collaboration and build connections between existing services in a way that matches the shape of service provision to the needs of families.

“Indigenous family support services (within the Office of Children, Youth and Family Support), Indigenous Education Services, (Department of Education) and relevant services provided by ACT Health, have been identified as some of the services for inclusion in this model.

“Other services, from the Government and non-Government sector, may be identified in the early stages of the project and included as appropriate.”