Centralised service for ACT kids with special needs

A new service in the ACT that will help improve access to mainstream child care for children with special needs was launched today by Minister for Community Services, Larry Anthony.

Mr Anthony said the Federal Government had set aside more than $2 million over three years for Children’s Services Resourcelink, located at Cooleman Court in Weston and managed by Tuggeranong Community Service.

The service, which also receives funding from the ACT Government, will deliver the Supplementary Children’s Service Program also known as SUPS.

“The SUPS program was previously delivered in the ACT by six regionally based community organisations,” Mr Anthony said.

“This program helps to include in mainstream childcare, children with special needs, including those with a disability, children of non-English speaking backgrounds, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and South Sea Islander children.

“Resourcelink provides support to the ACT child care sector including training, information and community development activities to improve access for these children,” said Mr Anthony.

Mr Anthony said the new centralised service would deliver a more consistent and flexible program.

“This kind of program reflects the Federal Government’s determination to provide flexible childcare to all Australians, catering for the diverse needs of all families, including those who have children with special needs.

“It also shows the government is responding to the needs of families and helping them to balance the demands of work and family.”

“As part of our commitment to families we developed the Stronger Families and Communities Strategy, launched earlier this year, and programs like SUPS are helping us to achieve our goal under the strategy of strengthening families across the country,” said Mr Anthony.