Northern Grampians Shire Council has moved to approach the State Government regarding a pilot project in the Shire to support vulnerable families and children in our community.
Council discussed the issue at its meeting last week, stating that recent events involving injuries to children had made it evident that more is needed to be done to enhance welfare and child safety support.
Manager Community Planning, Greg Little, stated in his report to Council that now seemed an appropriate time to make an approach to the Department of Human Services and the Office for Children to partner with Council and other community organisations to provide a strategic and timely primary intervention and support service.
“It is envisioned that a project would look at creating partners in prevention and support, finding, sharing and implementing strategies for the primary intervention and support for vulnerable families across the Shire”.
“Successful primary prevention initiatives would therefore operate on a variety of levels over an extended period of time to improve the capacity of families to raise and care for each child in a safe and nurturing environment”, Mr Little said.
Councillor Ray Hewitt said Council has made a commitment through its Council Plan and strategic plans to ensuring that families in our community have opportunities for quality family and children services.
“This commitment extends to all members of the community regardless of background and circumstance. We have a responsibility to ensure we are doing all we can to protect our community and this approach will go some way to starting the ball rolling”, Cr. Hewitt said.
Enquiries to Amy Rhodes
Communications Coordinator
Phone: (03) 5358 8752
Mobile: 0403 366 025
Email: amy.rhodes@ngshire.vic.gov.au
