South Australian Government redirecting funds to target most at-risk families

A new approach is needed to make a real difference to families in crisis, the state government says.

A shake-up of government funding is redirecting money to deliver “a higher dose” of help to struggling families in a bid to “turn the tide” of children taken into state care.

The State Government has awarded $52m to seven organisations to go into homes where violence, drug use and mental illness are putting children at risk.

Almost all the money has been redirected from long-running programs the government says were not working because they did not focus on the most pressing issues.

Instead of trying to teach parenting skills such as managing a child’s behaviour or bonding with a newborn, social workers are now being asked to focus on safety first and ensure parents receive treatment for issues such as addiction or abuse.

Human Services Minister Michelle Lensink said the “previous approach didn’t provide the right kind of support at the right time”.

“Our most vulnerable families need a higher dose of intensive support upfront – support that will motivate them to change their behaviour,” she said.

Instead of trying to teach parenting skills such as managing a child’s behaviour or bonding with a newborn, social workers are now being asked to focus on safety first and ensure parents receive treatment for issues such as addiction or abuse.

Workers at seven non-government organisations, including two Aboriginal-run services, will now be required to spend at least four hours a week with families in their homes for at least six months.

There will be a new central system to screen families referred by child protection, hospitals or schools to ensure the most at-risk receive help.

Pregnant teenagers, young parents and those who have been in state care will be high priorities in a bid to break the cycle of generational abuse or neglect, which should reduce future demand on the system.

For the first time, the government will monitor outcomes by assessing factors – such as levels of violence or drug use, mental health diagnoses and how connected a family is to services – before and after intervention to ensure taxpayer funds are making a difference.

The shake-up was based on new research and a year-long consultation. The $52m includes $5m of new funds for services in regional areas.