Delivery of Family Support Program Under Review
16 October 2012 at 9:30 am
The Federal Government is calling for input into its Family Support Program. Photo: change.org |
The Federal Government has launched a discussion paper and is calling for community input into the future directions of its $1 billion Family Support Program delivered by Not for Profit organisations across Australia.
Family Support Program services are delivered by community organisations in about 2,300 locations across the country.
“The Family Support Program is making a significant difference to the lives of children and families across Australia – assisting more than 800,000 Australians over the past year,” the Minister for Community Services, Julie Collins said.
“The discussion paper will help tell us what the community thinks about the program and gives the professionals working in the sector a chance to provide their valuable input and advice.
“The Government will hold a series of consultation meetings across Australia early next year, after we have considered written submissions on the discussion paper,” Collins said.
The Attorney-General said the Family Support Program included nine specialist family law services, including Family Relationship Centres, Family Dispute Resolution services and the Parenting Orders Program.
“The family law services provide a range of information, referral and support especially to meet the needs of separating and separated families,” Attorney-General, Nicola Roxon said.
“The Government also provides services that directly support children such as Children’s Contact Services.
“A review of the family law services is underway and it will help shape how these critical programs will look in the future.
“We want to ensure they are located in the areas where they are most needed and continue to meet the needs of separating and separated families.
“The family law services review will also play a part in determining the overall future directions of the Family Support Program,” Roxon said.
The FSP was established in 2011 to improve the coordination of services and to reduce red tape for service providers.
Submissions close November 19, 2012.
The discussion paper, and information on how to make a submission, is available at www.fahcsia.gov.au/FSPfuturedirections.