Multimillion-dollar investment in early intervention for vulnerable families

• $11.2 million for two early intervention initiatives for vulnerable mothers and their children
• $2.2 million allocated under Family Connections program
• $9 million allocated under Safe Pathways

The Miles Government’s $502 million Putting Queensland Kids First strategy is investing $11.2 million in early intervention programs for at-risk mothers and their children.

The investment supports two programs – Family Connections and Safe Pathways.

Safe Pathways supports initiatives by Micah Projects, Brisbane Youth Service, the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health in Brisbane and Sunshine Coast-based REFOCUS.

They will receive $9 million to help mums with babies and pregnant women with urgent help around issues including housing, health and parenting needs.

This includes mothers who are homeless or facing homelessness; women and children experiencing domestic and family violence; and young mums who need help addressing alcohol and drug use.

A short-term pilot in Brisbane has already helped 264 families in its first six months.

The Family Connections program includes $2.2 million for trials in two locations.

During the trials, clinicians will visit vulnerable families at home and connect them to services such as counselling, parent education and crisis intervention.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Child Safety Charis Mullen:

“Early intervention is essential for vulnerable families as it gives them the support they need at the time they need it.,

“The Putting Queensland Kids First strategy is designed to ensure Queensland children are given the best start in life through more access to essential services during their development.

“Under this plan, we are committed to doing more to support vulnerable mothers and children by providing essential new funding for early intervention.”

ENDS