Answers to Questions

APY Lands, Early Childhood Development Program

46 Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (27 May 2014). How many families are participating in the Early Childhood Development Program for family home visiting in the APY lands and what success is it having?

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright—Minister for Education and Child Development): I have been advised:

The program has been utilised by 142 families across the lands.

To date, the program has been very successful, with between 80-90 per cent of families with infants and young children engaging with the service. Additionally, the service is having a positive impact on children's development. Of the 108 children screened to date, less than ten children have been identified as having a developmental concern.

The service continues to work collaboratively with other agencies to support children and their families.

South Australia has also built and operated four Aboriginal Children and Family Centres as agreed under the national partnership. Since all four Children and Family Centres became operational in 2013, they have provided high quality early learning programs for young children, parenting and family support and community development activities.