The Victorian peak body for community child and family services The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare says the release of yesterday’s budget and accompanying Directions Paper Victoria’s Vulnerable Children isa welcomed first step towards necessary reform.
“The Centre is delighted to see the government embracing the whole of government strategy recommended by the Cummins Inquiry and its accompanying shared responsibility strategy with potential for recognising the unique contribution and capabilities of all who surround the child,” said the Centre’s chief executive officer, Dr Lynette Buoy.
Dr Buoy congratulated the Premier Ted Baillieu, Treasurer Kim Wells, Minister for Community Services Mary Wooldridge and all contributing Ministers on several key investments which will serve to improve the lives of Victoria’s vulnerable children.
“We welcome the commitments to delivering family friendly drug and alcohol services, specialist responses to allegations of child sexual abuse, the extending key early intervention services such as the Enhanced Maternal and Child Health service and Children’s Court facility at Broadmeadows. The further strengthening of the child protection workforce is again supported with anticipated benefits across the whole system” Dr Buoy said.
“We are particularly encouraged by the commitment to developing a five year plan for out-of-home care and the increase in therapeutic residential care places and remain hopeful that government will continue to look closely at the successes of therapeutic forms of care across the whole system and work towards further necessary expansion” said Dr Buoy.
“The government’s release of the Victoria’s Vulnerable Children directions paper alongside the budget yesterday is extremely encouraging,” said Dr Buoy. “We look forward to participating in an ongoing dialogue with government about how we can continue to work together to improve our responses to our most vulnerable people.”
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For interview:
Dr Lynette Buoy
Chief Executive Officer
Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare
Mobile: 0407 702 975
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