Answers to Questions

ANTI-POVERTY SERVICES

In reply to the Hon. A. BRESSINGTON (17 May 2011) (First Session).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women): The Minister for Education and Child Development has advised:

1. The primary area of concern for Families SA is the protection of children. Children, young people and families who are in contact with Families SA care and protection and youth justice services are by far the most vulnerable in South Australia. The reformed Anti-Poverty program will ensure they will not be disadvantaged and will in fact receive priority access to such services.

2. Families SA financial counsellors were responsible for a range of services including financial counselling and the provision of emergency financial assistance. Families SA Financial Counselling staff will continue their work on financial counselling and support for clients of the Department's Child Protection and Alternative Care system, as well as those who were formerly in State Care.

3. The Government does not expect the non-government sector to only deliver emergency financial assistance payments through financial counsellors. The NGO sector interfaces with people in need in a range of settings. It is a decision by agencies to determine how they deliver their services. The South Australian Government has commenced negotiation for a model to fund the provision of financial counselling services to those members of the public not involved with Families SA. The South Australian Government has provided more than $600,000 in Emergency Financial Assistance for distribution to the wider community through existing non-Government providers. These non-Government providers have been provided with funding for administrative costs related with the distribution of these funds.

4. The South Australian Government has commenced negotiation for a model to fund the provision of financial counselling services and emergency financial assistance to those members of the public not involved with Families SA.

5. As per question IV.

6. Analysis of data recorded by Families SA and data provided by NGO's was undertaken to determine the most effective distribution of available funds for the provision of Emergency Financial Assistance to the wider community and financial counselling episodes by non-Government organisations. The Executive Director of Families SA facilitated open discussion forums and liaised with the non-Government sector and the SA Council of Social Services (SACOSS).