FAMILIES SA

In reply to the Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (29 July 2011).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Gambling): The Minister for Families and Communities is advised:

1. The State Government recognises the value of early intervention and in 2008 committed $28.2 million over four years to the Stronger Families, Safer Children program to provide support to strengthen vulnerable families.

The Department for Families and Communities commenced reform of the Family and Community Development Program in May 2010. The Program has not been reviewed since it was introduced in the early 1990s and funding has become historically based, rather than needs based. Funding should be directed to those in the community who need it most, and this is the purpose of the review.

The reform process involves mapping current service delivery and predicting future need using the principles of an Evidence Based Management Framework. This Framework requires an undertaking of an analysis of population needs and a mapping of the current level and mix of services including identifying service gaps, unmet demand and alternative funding sources.

The reform will also examine the aims and objectives of the program, the client groups to be targeted for services, service planning and funding approaches, service models, and accountability and quality measures.

The Department has made a commitment to consult and collaborate with all relevant stakeholders during the reform process.