Page 326 - Week 01 - Thursday, 16 February 2012
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MS BURCH: I thank Ms Hunter for her question and her interest. I know that you have been having a watchful eye on the youth and family support program as it has undergone quite significant change. There is no doubt that there is certainly change afoot, and that change will come into practice after 1 March this year. Certainly the new arrangement which goes to information engagement and network coordination is a change for the sector. It is the first time in 20 years that these services have been tendered out and changed. So I absolutely understand that the sector will be looking to this and certainly having an eye to the families and young people that use the services.
That said, I know that the directorate is working very closely with the successful tenderers and those that may not have been successful as well. One needs to appreciate when you are undergoing such change that it is very incumbent on the sector and the government alike to make sure that they work in partnership and that if issues are brought forth and identified they work together to resolve them, because it is not government nor the sector that will want to see any additional barriers put up for these people who are often in very vulnerable circumstances.
MR SPEAKER: A supplementary, Ms Hunter.
MS HUNTER: Minister, will support workers and services be able to use the worker to worker, or warm, referral method they are familiar with and, if so, how will that work?
MS BURCH: Again, it is a question that is very important to the sector that is working with vulnerable families and young people. I cannot describe, I do not think, how it would affect the actions on the ground, but the workers are very familiar with this business. As I look through the organisations that have been successful in youth engagement work, network coordination and therapeutic services, these are all very skilled, experienced organisations.
I cannot give the detail, Ms Hunter, but be assured I am also keeping a watchful eye on how this rolls out. I met with the directorate today. I know that it will be meeting very regularly with a number of the services that are taking leading roles in this change.
MS BRESNAN: A supplementary question, Mr Speaker.
MR SPEAKER: Yes, Ms Bresnan.
MS BRESNAN: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Minister, can you describe how the referral practices of the CYFSP will interact with those other sectors such as homelessness, housing and health?
MS BURCH: One would hope that they intersect and have a very easy connection. This is about understanding—when we are talking about the change, the youth and family program is looking at those at risk, those that are often disconnected to other services. That automatically links to homelessness and those other support services that will be required.
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