Page 2456 - Week 08 - Thursday, 6 August 2015
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To illustrate the key principles of the redesigned model, I will talk about the work undertaken by the Tuggeranong Child and Family Centre in relation to domestic violence, an issue of high importance within our community. Tuggeranong Child and Family Centre is becoming a focal point in the local community for supporting children and families who have experienced domestic violence. The centre has undertaken extensive cross-agency work with the Domestic Violence Crisis Service, Relationships Australia, the Australian Federal Police, the Health Directorate’s Women’s Health Service, Legal Aid ACT, Housing ACT and Child and Youth Protection Services in the Community Services Directorate to improve service connectedness, provide case management, support and referrals.
In response to local need, the Domestic Violence Crisis Service now attends the Tuggeranong Child and Family Centre to provide a fortnightly service to women who are experiencing domestic violence. The Domestic Violence Crisis Service also delivers programs at the centre to women and children who have left violent relationships and require further support. As trust in the child and family centre staff increases, clients are able to discuss their relationships and build the confidence needed to be linked into those services.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Dr Bourke.
DR BOURKE: Minister, how do the child and family centres work in partnership with the community sector and other government agencies?
MR GENTLEMAN: The provision of universal and targeted services and programs in the one location and in partnership with external agencies is central to the child and family centre service model. Co-location of services provides for greater access, predicated on the assumption that all the services that a child or family require are located at the one site and the location of the centre itself is accessible. Co-location also supports ease of referral between services and a common understanding of each service’s referral processes and eligibility criteria, thus enhancing access for vulnerable families and children to a broader range of support services and programs required.
I would like to outline the government’s services which operate clinics, drop-ins, outreach services and group programs at child and family centres. They include maternal and child health; Therapy ACT; Housing ACT; adult mental health; women, youth and children community health; the Canberra Hospital and Calvary hospital’s midwifery and antenatal programs; and the women’s information service. There are also a wide range of established partnerships with the non-government sector, which provide additional services including playgroups, parent education programs, counselling services, specific services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, refugee and migrant support programs, and community education and health programs.
Some of these partner agencies include Relationships Australia, Belconnen Community Services, Companion House, the Smith Family, ACT Playgroups Association, Communities@Work, Marymead, UnitingCare Kippax, Gugan Gulwan,
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