Howard Government funds Relationship Clearinghouse

The Howard Government will deliver $800,000 over two years to establish the Family Relationship Clearinghouse which will collect and deliver the latest relevant research and best practice to family relationship services and practitioners across Australia.

The Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Kay Patterson, today announced the allocation of the funding to the Australian Institute of Family Studies to operate the Clearinghouse.

“The up to date information and examples of best practice provided by the Clearinghouse will build the knowledge and capacity of organisations which deliver family relationship services, enhancing their ability to help Australian families,” Senator Patterson said.

“It will also assist in promoting family resilience and positive relationships through better understanding, prevention, early intervention and post separation support services.

“The Howard Government is committed to improving outcomes for Australian families and in the 2005-06 Budget announced a package of more than $397 million over four years to reform the family law system.

“This package will achieve generational reform of the family law system with the funding for the Family Relationships Services Programme increasing by 300 per cent by 2008-09.

“Families are the source of some of life’s greatest joys, but sadly can also be a cause of pain and anxiety, the Family Relationships Clearinghouse will assist services in delivering better outcomes for Australian families,” Senator Patterson said.