Queensland mums and dads benefit from $5.35M funding boost for positive parenting

Queensland parents will continue to have access to a world-renowned free support program thanks to a boost of $5.35 million over three years in Queensland Government funding.

The latest announcement brings total Queensland Government fundingfor theTriple P Positive Parenting Program to $11.95 million since 2015.

Minister for Child Safety Shannon Fentiman said that since the Triple P Positive Parenting Program began in 2015, more than 85,000 parents had received free parenting advice and a helping hand through the program.

“Most parents only want what’s best for their children, but we know there are times when raising a family can be challenging,” she said.

“Triple P is designed to give Queensland families, with children aged up to 16 years of age, free access to the support they need.

“Whether it is a rebellious teenager or coping with illness, tantrums or bedtimes, Triple P has strategies to help.

“Studies have shown Triple P reduces behaviour and emotional problems in children and improves parents' wellbeing and parenting skills. Parents who use it report feeling less stressed.

“My hat goes off to all our Queensland mums and dads who want to do the best thing by their kids and raise them to be happy, healthy and confident, the future leaders of Queensland.

“Triple P provides tips on managing kids’ behaviour, balancing work and family and the best ways of raising happy, confident kids. “

Triple P founder Professor Matt Sanders said the program gave Queensland parents a unique opportunity to establish a new and improved benchmark for parenting.

“The State Government’s decision two years ago to give families free, easy access to quality parenting support is the mark of a state that wants to do better by its children,” professor Sanders said.

“Parents who know better, do better, and future generations of Queenslanders will reap the benefits of this initiative, which recognises parenting is a skill that can be learned and enhanced.”

Ms Fentiman said the funding includes $850,000 over two years to enable Triple P to be delivered in communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Debbie in March 2017.

“Parenting is stressful enough without the added strain of recovering from a natural disaster like Cyclone Debbie,” Ms Fentiman said.

“The Triple P programs will build the skills and capabilities of parents so they are better placed to deal with immediate issues arising from TC Debbie and more resilient in the long term.”

For more information about the Triple P programs or to find a session near you, visit http://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/

ENDS

Media Contact:          Ron Goodman            0427 781 920