Enhanced support for Indigenous children and families

The Queensland Government has allocated $55,000 to help provide enhanced prevention and early intervention services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in south-east Queensland.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Warren Pitt said the funding would support the employment of an officer for six months to look at ways to tailor services for Indigenous children and families.

”The Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council will undertake the project, which will link in with the recent launch of several new Referral for Active Intervention (RAI) services throughout Queensland,” Mr Pitt said.

”The RAI services target young children and their families who have been assessed as low risk within the child protection system, yet could benefit from active intervention.

“This new funding will allow the council to identify ways to improve service delivery for Indigenous children and families across the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Greater Brisbane regions.”

Mr Pitt said that in an effort to improve the participation of Indigenous children and families, service delivery at the Browns Plains and Caboolture early years centres would be examined.

“The RAI services and early years centres are designed to give families and young children easy access to a wide range of support services and information,” he said.

“Clients will be assigned an individual case manager who can assist with everyday tasks such as budgeting and behaviour management.

“The ultimate aim is to help strengthen families to create a more stable and healthy environment for young children.”

Mr Pitt said a final report outlining the findings and recommendations would be prepared at the end of the research project.

Media contact: Peter Nibbs 3235 4280