Published Sunday, 18 November, 2007 at 06:00 AM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
‘Mobile’ family support workers to reach needy
On the eve of World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse, Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr has announced $765,750 over three years to support an innovative project spearheaded by the Save the Children Fund.
“This important project will help families and children who would otherwise slip under the radar and not access critical supports such as unemployment benefits, housing advice, health care and other social services,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“This is the only mobile program of its kind operating in Queensland and it is reaching clients on their turf, building their trust so they can make the necessary contacts and access services,” she said.
“Taking this action is often the first step in turning a life around.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the project began as a trial in 2004 and has been piloted and fine-tuned over the past three years.
“Save the Children reports the mobile service trial has reached over 120 families and 400 children. These families have experienced positive changes to their lives,” said the Minister.
With the State Government funding, Save the Children's Early Intervention Family Support team will be taking their intervention and support services to vulnerable families living in socially isolated communities in various parts of the State.
Save the Children Queensland Executive Officer Lynn Thompson welcomed the funding, saying intervention was critical in assisting families with the important but difficult role of parenting.
"During the trial phase, specially-trained counsellors have achieved great success, with the majority of families remaining intact and stable housing contributing to children staying in school,” Ms Thompson said.
Save the Children has an extensive history working to protect children and prevent child abuse and neglect in Queensland.
Monday, November 19, is World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse.
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr: Alexia Deegan - 0400 767 490
Save the Children: Lynn Thompson - 0413 156 395
“This important project will help families and children who would otherwise slip under the radar and not access critical supports such as unemployment benefits, housing advice, health care and other social services,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“This is the only mobile program of its kind operating in Queensland and it is reaching clients on their turf, building their trust so they can make the necessary contacts and access services,” she said.
“Taking this action is often the first step in turning a life around.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the project began as a trial in 2004 and has been piloted and fine-tuned over the past three years.
“Save the Children reports the mobile service trial has reached over 120 families and 400 children. These families have experienced positive changes to their lives,” said the Minister.
With the State Government funding, Save the Children's Early Intervention Family Support team will be taking their intervention and support services to vulnerable families living in socially isolated communities in various parts of the State.
Save the Children Queensland Executive Officer Lynn Thompson welcomed the funding, saying intervention was critical in assisting families with the important but difficult role of parenting.
"During the trial phase, specially-trained counsellors have achieved great success, with the majority of families remaining intact and stable housing contributing to children staying in school,” Ms Thompson said.
Save the Children has an extensive history working to protect children and prevent child abuse and neglect in Queensland.
Monday, November 19, is World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse.
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr: Alexia Deegan - 0400 767 490
Save the Children: Lynn Thompson - 0413 156 395