Earlier this year, Fams embarked on the journey of speaking to MPs and decision-makers about the importance of investing early. Our economic analysis with Lumenia revealed that every $1 spent on early intervention services in child protection could result in a return of $2.97 in economic and social benefits.
We welcome the $184.1 million investment over 4 years for specialist domestic and family violence services and the $10.5 million for Aboriginal Legal Service bail support programs that will prioritise the rights of Aboriginal women and young people in the Justice system. It is also a positive outcome to see the NSW Government’s commitment to fund the 4.75% pay increase following the Fair Work Commission’s SCHADS Award determination.
Our main concern remains that there was no core funding increase for the CAFS and Family Preservation programs. While there was an acknowledgement that these programs are important in preventing the need for statutory intervention, there has been no commensurate investment. This includes the statement in the Budget Papers acknowledging that the evidence indicates “positive improvements in child protection outcomes for Aboriginal children participating in TEI programs, including a reduced likelihood of remaining in OOHC”.
It is time for the NSW Government to begin to shift the scale of investment to ensure that every child in NSW has the opportunity to grow up safe, strong, and supported. Fams remains committed to our invitation to the NSW Government to collaborate with us and the broader sector to invest in preventing harm rather than responding to it.
To read more about our advocacy platform, click here:
