$19 MILLION TO SUPPORT AT-RISK CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Roger Jaensch MP, Minister for Education, Children and Youth

The safety of children and young people is a priority for the Tasmanian Liberal Government and we are committed to improving the safety and wellbeing for those who are vulnerable and most at risk.

The 2022-23 State Budget is about delivering for all Tasmanians and that is why we are committing more than $19 million for children and young people in contact with our Child Safety System as well as the staff who support them.

Our investment includes $5.4 million over four years for new Child Safety officers in both the Advice and Referral Line and the Child Safety Service to meet the fluctuations in demand that we know place pressure on our hard working Child Safety staff.

Our Government does not underestimate the challenges involved in responding to families, children and young people who are at risk of abuse or neglect. To meet these challenges, we will continue to ensure the Child Safety Service is appropriately resourced and supported.

We are also delivering on the recommendations of the Royal Commission to enhance safety for children and young people in Out of Home Care.

In the 2022-23 Tasmanian Budget, we are providing investment of $2.1 million over three years to deliver an Out of Home Care Accreditation Scheme and a Carers Register to ensure there are clear standards in place and stronger oversight of our system, and those providing care for children.

The Tasmanian Liberal Government is also continuing our investment in critical components of our redesigned Child Safety System with $4.175 million for the Intensive Family Support Service and $5.954 million to continue the Transition to Independence program for young people exiting Out of Home Care.

Importantly, in addition to the $500,000 in last year’s Budget, we are contributing an additional $2 million to develop new programs for children and young people in out of home care who have complex needs. This is in direct response to the recommendations of the Expert Panel following the review of the Many Colours One Direction program.

Along with new investment we continue to progress our Strong Families, Safe Kids reforms of the Child Safety System.

The reforms are already delivering significant results with more support being provided to families at risk, fewer children referred for statutory intervention and fewer children entering Out of Home care.

This is a Government with integrity and heart, one that is courageous, accountable and delivers on its commitments to vulnerable families, children and young people.