State Government promises almost $1bn for child protection programs

CHILD protection workers will be embedded in kindergartens, playgroups and primary schools in high-risk Victorian communities as part of an almost $1 billion package.

CHILD protection workers will be embedded in kindergartens, playgroups and primary schools in high-risk Victorian communities as part of a near $1 billion funding package.

The record child protection spend in Tuesday’s Budget ­includes $390 million for home-based care, more than $100 million on early intervention programs and almost $50 million on counselling ­services for family violence victims. Among new initiatives, up to six communities with high rates of child abuse and neglect will be targeted by $9 million to “strengthen parenting and prevent abuse before it occurs”.

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Families and Children Minister Jenny Mikakos said the child protection splurge was the “biggest ever investment by a country mile”.

Another $10.4 million will be spent over four years, emb­edding as many as 28 support workers in kindergartens, play­groups and primary schools.

Families and Children Minister Jenny Mikakos said the child protection splurge was the “biggest ever investment by a country mile”.

“We are doing everything we can to protect our most vulnerable children and support their families — with more ­tailored, more supportive programs that address issues ­earlier,” she said. “There is no greater responsibility than looking after our kids and we are leaving no stone unturned.”