Thursday, 6th April 2017

More families in Gippsland are set to benefit from a new intensive family and early parenting support program that’s already provided crucial support for parents and children.

Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria Region was joined by Minister Jenny Mikakos in Morwell to announce the Andrews Labor Government is investing $2,393,700 over two years for the early intervention and prevention program in Gippsland.

Cradle to Kinder is an ante and post-natal support service for vulnerable young mothers – aged 25 and under – and their families, commencing in pregnancy and continuing until the child reaches four years of age.

Parents who participate in the program are supported to build their capabilities to provide for their child’s health, safety and development, as well as developing their own self-reliance through linking to education, vocational training and employment.

Evidence shows that early support services – such as home visits, tailored to a family’s circumstances – can significantly improve parenting and a child’s long-term health, development and success at school.

A total of $19 million is being invested over two years to grow the Cradle to Kinder program from eight to 17 sites and the Aboriginal Cradle to Kinder program from two to 10 locations across Victoria.

The Andrews Government’s $168 million Roadmap for Reform was introduced to shift the children and family services system from crisis response to prevention and early intervention.

This included $33.9 million over two years to support the development of a new early years’ service for vulnerable families. Expanding Cradle to Kinder is the Andrews Government’s first step in developing the new service.

Quotes attributable to State Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing:

“Cradle to Kinder supports families to be the best they can be and set the foundations for a lifetime of health and wellbeing.”

“As the Minister confirmed when she made this announcement in Morwell, the Andrews Labor Government is investing in more services and practical assistance for families right across Gippsland to help everyone to get the best possible start in life.”