Funding boost for Toowoomba early childhood program

The fight against child abuse will be strengthened in Toowoomba thanks to Queensland Government funding.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt said the National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) had been allocated funding to boost early childhood programs in four locations.

Mr Pitt said NAPCAN Queensland had been allocated a one-off grant of $19,200 to help establish the programs and $333,074 each year for three years to conduct the community programs.

“This funding will enable NAPCAN Queensland to implement its new Play a Part program in Toowoomba, Chermside, Springfield Lakes and the Gold Coast,” he said.

Attorney-General, Minister for Justice and Member for Toowoomba North Kerry Shine said NAPCAN Queensland would work in conjunction with community groups in the region to develop integrated child abuse prevention strategies.

“The program will involve community education seminars to promote child abuse prevention,” Mr Shine said.

“Local communities will also be encouraged to identify and implement strategies to help create child friendly communities.”

Mr Shine said the funds were part of a $6 million, three-year funding program to boost existing prevention and early intervention services for young children and their families.

“These additional services will help to ensure that Queensland children are nurtured, healthy and safe, and the families of young children are supported,” he said.

Mr Pitt said the Department of Communities funding initiative was based on extensive research highlighting several positive long-term outcomes of investing in early years services for children and their families.

“These benefits include reducing the need for more intensive and sustained intervention for children and their families later in life,” he said.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s office – Peter Nibbs 3235 4280
Minister Shine’s office – Kirby Anderson 3239 6400