Western Australia Minister for Child Protection Robyn McSweeney

Victor P Taffa

Western Australian Council on Homelessness announced

Western Australia Minister for Child Protection Robyn McSweeney has today announced the appointment of members to the newly established Western Australian Council on Homelessness.

The council has been established for a period of two years to provide the Minister with information and advice on current homelessness issues and to assist in achieving WA’s homelessness outcomes under the National Affordable Housing Agreement (NAHA) and the Homelessness National Partnership Agreement (NPA).

“Last year, I announced the State Government’s $68million financial commitment over four years to roll-out WA’s Implementation Plan under the National Partnership Agreement where we will focus on new approaches to tackling our local homelessness issues,” Mrs. McSweeney said.

“Starting in February, the council will support this Government’s strategies aimed at reducing overall homelessness statistics by 2013. These will be based around early intervention and prevention to break what is sometimes an inherent cycle for some members of our community.

“It is just not acceptable that so many Western Australians experience various forms of short and long-term homelessness and do not have access to appropriate support services. Soon I will announce successful service providers to deliver on our NPA in the Metropolitan area with Country service providers to follow.”

The former chair of the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program, the Hon Kay Hallahan AO, well known for her contribution to State Parliament and Community Development Organisations, will chair the new council.

The council also includes:

• Anna Paris, Executive Manager, Homelessness and Housing, Ruah Community Services

• Nanette Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Pilbara Community Legal Service

• Kathleen Gregory, Chief Executive Officer, Foundation Housing

• Anthony Pietropiccolo, Director, Centrecare

• Ross Kyrwood, State Director, Mission Australia.

Homelessness is a big problem and by specifically targeting the manner in which funds are allocated ensures that solutions can begin to address the longterm issues.

WA Minister for Child Protection Robyn McSweeney

Victor P Taffa

Rapid Response to help break cycle for disadvantaged children

Western Australia Minister for Child Protection Robyn McSweeney has today outlined a new whole-of-Government approach designed to prioritise access to Government health, education housing, and employment services for children and young people in State care.

According to the Minister Rapid Response is set to benefit approximately 3,200 children currently in State care following a successful pilot in the Fremantle, Great Southern, Midland and Pilbara regions from April to October 2009.

Of 678 children currently in State care who participated in the Rapid Response program pilot, 76 % were given a medical assessment within the first three months of the pilot being rolled out.

“These interim results indicate the Rapid Response approach would greatly improve how current medical reviews and education assessments are managed for children entering State care between various Government agencies,” Mrs. McSweeney said.

“The reality is we see many children and young people entering care with significant medical, psychological, developmental, educational, disabling conditions and behavioural problems that have not been addressed properly by their families and most of them need priority treatment.

“It is encouraging that the work done by participating departments to identify ways in which access to services will prioritise the support provided by the State Government for these vulnerable children including referrals for any further assistance needed.”

The Minister stated the Department for Child Protection will consult broadly with partner agencies over the next year to continually inform and make any improvements required to enhance the delivery of services under the Rapid Response program, with elements of the Rapid Response already underway with the State-wide roll-out of Education Assessment and Plans for all children and young people in care from July 2009.

“This is a positive step our State Government is making to address the needs of children in care and Rapid Response is a key in seeing these children and young people reach their full potential,” Mrs. McSweeney said.

Child Protection is increasingly becoming a more important area for Government to take a pro-active role.