By Max Hatzoglou
Brimbank and Melton families involved in the justice system will receive improved case support under a state government pilot program.
The program will assign a case manager to families, giving them a single point of contact and eliminating the need to contact multiple staff from different services.
Up to 200 families will take part in the program.
According to the government, the case manager will support families in providing access to legal, financial, mental health, housing and family violence services and other supports.
It is hoped the program will lead to reduced offending.
Services will be delivered in partnership with orgainisations led by OzChild, including the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency, which will help meet the needs of Aboriginal children and families.
The Australian African Foundation for Retention and Opportunity, and Charis Youth and Community, will also work with families with African and Pasifika backgrounds.
Corrections, Crime Prevention, Youth Justice and Victim Support Minister and Sydenham MP Natalie Hutchins said the program will benefit the Brimbank and Melton communities.
“By working in more co-ordinated and intensive ways we can improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable Victorian families,” Ms Hutchins said.
Child protection and Family Services Minister Anthony Carbines said the new model will stop families from losing connection to services and support.
“Working with one case worker instead of several will mean families do not have to keep re-telling their stories and will prevent problems falling through the cracks – keeping vulnerable children safe and families connected.”
OzChild chief executive, Dr Lisa Griffiths, said it is hoped the program will have good outcomes.
“Reduced offending, improved child and parental health and increased school attendance rates are just some of the many positive outcomes we will see by centralising support via the Putting Families First initiative,” she said.
