Department of Human Services southern regional director Laurie Harkin, Windermere CEO Cheryl DeZiwala, Children Minister Sherryl Garbutt, Connections CEO Doug Dalton at last week’s funding announcement for a preventative program to cull child abuse in Greater Dandenong.By Shaun Inguanzo
WELFARE groups will tackle child abuse and neglect in the City of Greater Dandenong with a $2 million funding windfall from the State Government.
The money will be used to fund the Family Support and Innovation Project that will aim to reduce child abuse in Greater Dandenong.
The program will provide education for parents and guardians, including counselling and parenting classes.
Minister for Community Services and Children, Sherryl Garbutt, launched the program last week along with child support and advocacy groups, Windermere and Connections, and the Department of Human Services.
She said reports of abuse in Dandenong had warranted the program.
“This project will provide greater support to families under pressure and should reduce child protection notification rates in a region noted as being the most culturally diverse in Victoria,” Ms Garbutt said.
“Families will now receive earlier, more intensive welfare support to address their problems before they escalate and require child protection involvement.”
Ms Garbutt said the program could be customised on a case-by-case basis.
“The program tailors support to meet the individual needs of families,” she said.
“This can range from counselling and parenting classes to practical assistance with childcare arrangements and housekeeping.”
Ms Garbutt said it was essential that families have access to support before situations escalated into abuse.
“Research clearly shows that getting services to families earlier can prevent abuse and neglect.”
She said the $2 million is part of the State Government’s $20 million package, which has helped to establish similar programs across 15 municipalities.
