New support for Queensland Mums and Dads

Queensland Mums and Dads will have access to free support to help their families thrive with a new $6.6 million innovative parenting program.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said next week’s State Budget would fund access to the Triple P Positive Parenting Program, a Brisbane-based success story which had been exported to help millions of families in 25 countries.

“Triple P is Australia’s biggest social services export and now my government is giving all Queensland parents access to this program,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

"I am passionate about making sure every Queensland child has the support they need to live happy and successful lives.

“This program is about giving parents a helping hand and access to strategies to build the skills and confidence they need to give their kids the best start in life.”

Communities Minister Shannon Fentiman said the two year trial would give Queensland families voluntary access to a range of programs including an online program, topic-specific seminars, parent discussion groups and one-on-one consultations, to more intensive, small group-based and individual programs. 

“Triple P will help parents facing challenges at any stage of their child’s life,” Ms Fentiman said. 

“The program can be varied depending on the level of support a family wants.” 

Treasurer Curtis Pitt said the program, starting later this year, will be offered free-of-charge on a voluntary basis to Queensland parents of children aged from birth to 16. 

“We want all Queensland parents to know that it is okay to ask for help and that all parents can learn new ways to improve their relationship with their children,” he said. 

“We’re aiming to help up to 140,000 parents over the two years and will train and give new skills to practitioners already working in the field at both government and non-government organisations.” 

Triple P founder and director of The University of Queensland’s Parenting and Family Support Centre, Professor Matt Sanders, said Triple P was designed to improve the health and well-being of entire communities. 

"Triple P does this by giving parents simple but proven tools to parent effectively. Children who grow up in a safe, loving, consistent and low-conflict environment with clear boundaries and limits are better equipped emotionally and are more likely to succeed at school, in relationships and in life,'' Professor Sanders said.

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