CHILD PROTECTION

Mr KENYON (Newland) (15:23): My question is to the Minister for Families and Communities. Will the minister update the house on the progress of child protection initiatives?

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright—Minister for Families and Communities, Minister for Housing, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability) (15:23): Madam Speaker, as you and members of this house know, the Rann government has had a very strong focus on child protection and keeping our children safe here in South Australia. Last week was National Child Protection Week—a time when this important issue becomes a focus for the wider community.

I think it is fair to say that good news is not something we usually associate with child protection, but there is much good work being done when it comes to child protection here in this state, such as the Stronger Families Safer Children program. This program has been running for just over 12 months and I am pleased to report that almost 1,000 children across the state and more than 300 families have been supported through this program.

Evaluation of the program is under way and will include a report prepared by the University of Adelaide and an analysis of family circumstances before and after their involvement with the program. Empowering seven of the state's most respected non-government organisations to deliver this program in their local areas has been a key to connecting with so many people in such a short period of time. The success is underpinned by the significant funding the state government has provided—$28.2 million over four years for the Stronger Families Safer Children program.

With the support of Families SA, non-government organisations work with families who are in contact with the child protection system. Caseworkers provide a range of support from parenting and household advice to linking them to counselling, financial assistance and a range of other services.

Involvement in this program is often the difference between keeping a family together and children being placed in alternative care. This was certainly the case for a family of five in Adelaide's north. Here we had a mum and a dad, three children aged from three to seven and another child on the way. Dad has a disability and mum has mental health issues. The children's behaviour was very challenging, and they were being put at risk.

It has now been eight months since the family connected with Stronger Families Safer Children, and I am pleased to report that, while there are still ups and downs, much has improved. This family is now receiving support from the Central Adelaide Mental Health Service and getting counselling. The case worker has equipped the parents with techniques so that they can better look after themselves and the children long after their involvement with the program is finished.

Unfortunately, not all families can stay together. To support families where children have been removed, Stronger Families Safer Children also comprises a reunification service, which supports these families to get back together.

National Child Protection Week brings the safety of our children to the forefront of public awareness and discussion. However, all year round, we as a government maintain our commitment and collaborative approach to this cause, and we will continue to give all the help and guidance we can to mums and dads so that they can successfully raise their children and keep them safe.