Maryborough and Hervey Bay families will now benefit from a new early intervention service,provided by ACT for Kids, which will help strengthen families in the Fraser Coast catchment.
The Fostering Families initiative is a two year pilot program, funded by the State Government, which aims to reduce the number of children entering out-of-home care. ACT for Kids was chosen to deliver the program in the Maryborough/Hervey bay catchment. The service will also be trialled in Toowoomba and Brisbane South by other service providers.
Fostering Families will provide intensive counselling and in-home family support services to vulnerable families where a notification has been made to the Department of Communities, Child Safety Services.It will provide support for families that are under stress and experiencing complex problems that put them at risk of child abuse and neglect.
ACT for Kids Brisbane Regional Director, Debra Doherty, said the program will focus on developing practical skills in the family home and improving parenting skills, and help to reduce the isolation that some families experience.
Fostering Familieswill help parents develop skills to better care for their children and provide a safe, calm and loving home.
Our team will work with families to make positive changes in their livesand be proactive in ensuring they are providing a nurturing, safe environment for their children, Debra said.