Extra support for vulnerable children in Cairns, Yarrabah

Vulnerable children and their families in far north Queensland now have access to an intensive support service thanks to the Queensland Government.

Communities Minister and Member for Mulgrave Warren Pitt today launched the Cairns-based service, one of 10 new Referral for Active Intervention services being provided statewide as part of an $8.5 million initiative.

“The Abused Child Trust at Contact House has received Queensland Government funding of $1.12 million to establish this vital community service for Cairns and Yarrabah,” Mr Pitt said.

“This service targets young children and their families who have been assessed as being at low risk of entering the statutory child protection system but who could benefit from active intervention.

“Clients will have access to various support services including information, help with everyday tasks such as budgeting and behaviour management, and access to a case manager.

“This initiative aims to reduce the number of families falling into crisis and the number of children going into the care of the Department of Child Safety.”

Child Safety Minister and Member for Cairns Desley Boyle said she was really pleased to see this service up and running in Cairns.

“Previous generations had extended family networks to help out, but now many families are disjointed with no relations nearby to fall back on for support,” she said.

“There’s shift work, single parents or young parents who, through no fault of their own, just don’t know how to do the job.

“It is really important that we give these parents a hand and the real, practical skills to look after their children.

“If parents take advantage of this service, they can stop the Department of Child Safety from needing to step in down the track and take protective action.”

Mr Pitt said the Referral for Active Intervention program would work with children from birth to eight years and their families.

“The importance of local knowledge and experience cannot be underestimated and I congratulate the Abused Child Trust for taking on this challenge,” Mr Pitt said.

“I am confident this service will benefit vulnerable children and their families as well as the wider community.”

Other Referral for Active Intervention (RAI) services are operating in Ipswich, Inala/Goodna, the southern Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Deception Bay/Redcliffe/Caboolture, South Burnett, Rockhampton and Townsville/Thuringowa.

“Referrals to RAI services are made by the Department of Child Safety for families identified as not needing protection, but who have high and complex needs,” Mr Pitt said.

“The early intervention program aims to protect vulnerable children, support families and, ultimately, to build safe, healthy and inclusive communities.”

Media contacts:     Minister Pitt’s Office 3235 4280
                                  Minister Boyle’s Office 3224 7477