The Family Support Program

The Hon Jenny Macklin MP announced the establishment of the Family Support Program, an initiative designed to improve outcomes for children and families by improving the Australian Government's ability to provide services to them.

Announced at the NIFTeY (National Investment for the Early Years) conference the Minister gave a clear and strong indication that FaHCSIA will continue funding existing community development programs next year whilst the at the same time consulting with the service providers  to find ways to streamline “what can be an administrative jungle – frustrating for families who seek to access them, as well as service providers and governments”.

Launching the Family Support Program, Macklin said “We know that the essential family roles - of caring, supporting and protecting members - can't be performed in isolation. Families are at their functional best when they are strongly connected to their community. “

Jayne Meyer Tucker, CEO of Good Beginnings is cautiously optimistic noting “ we have more than 10 agreements to deliver similar services for FaHCSIA across the country. Being able to spend less time on paperwork and more time supporting families can only be a good thing.

“However , she said, “what the government and the whole sector needs to do is agree on the population outcomes we are chasing and agree on our respective roles and get on with it. “To do this effectively the sector needs to know that secure and long term funding in place and deliver on its commitment to government and our communities.

Jayne Meyer Tucker, “ Parents are doing one of the most vital jobs in the country – bringing up the next generation of Australians. The nurturing and care a child receives strongly influences their development into adulthood. The more we nourish, nurture and encourage our children, the better equipped they will be to make healthy decisions in their own lives. Strong kids; Supported kids; cope better when times are tough”. “The way to support children is to support their parents and support their communities.

Click here to read The Hon Jenny Macklin's speech.