QUICK EXIT

Act for Kids Centre In Rockhampton Will Help Families Stay Together

23 October 2017

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A new hands-on support service will soon be available to vulnerable Rockhampton families to help keep their children safely together at home.

Child Safety Minister Shannon Fentiman visited Rockhampton this month, to announce that Act for Kids will receive $4.57 million over the next five years to set up and deliver the new practical, in-home support service in Rockhampton.

“We know the challenges that families are facing are getting tougher, which is why we’re investing in direct practical support,” she said.

“Some families might need help getting to doctor’s appointments, school drop-offs, budgeting advice, setting routines at home or parenting courses.

“It can also include counselling, domestic violence intervention programs and family mediation. This is a hands-on, in-home practical support service to help families stay safely together.

“Act for Kids will provide families with the right support at the right time, giving them access to support before problems reach crisis point.

“These services work with families who are willing to access help so that their problems don’t escalate to the point of needing contact with the child protection system.”

“Act for Kids already do an amazing job in providing the support services on the Fraser Coast and in North Burnett so they bring a lot of local experience to this new service in Rockhampton.”

Executive Director of Services Dr Katrina Lines said Act for Kids is proud to be part of the new in-home, practical support service to ensure local Rockhampton kids and families get extra support to overcome their challenges.

“Over the past 29 years, Act for Kids has helped thousands of kids and families in other communities in Queensland,” Dr Lines said.

“The IFS program is vital for the Rockhampton region and community and is another example of the Queensland Government’s commitment to stronger families and the wellbeing of all Queenslanders.”

There are 23 of the support services currently up and running across Queensland.

Ms Fentiman said more than 5,700 Queensland families had already benefited from these specialised services since they were established two years ago.