$3.88 million funding boost for 769 out-of-school care places for children with disability

The Australian Government today announced $3.88 million for 769 much needed after school and vacation care places for secondary school-aged children with disability.

Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services, Bill Shorten, announced the funding today.

“These much needed places will provide stimulating and age-appropriate developmental, social and recreational activities for children with disability aged from 12 to 18, outside school hours,” Ms Macklin said.

“Parents from right across Australia have told the Government there is an urgent need for more care places for older children.”

“Not only will the places provide the opportunity to further include young people with disability in a range of out of school initiatives, it will also help working parents to balance their work and family responsibilities,” Mr Shorten said.

“This is the first step to help address a significant lack of care services for people with disability in this age group, and to provide much-needed support for families who currently care for their children during these hours.”

Thirty-five disability and child care providers will deliver the services across the country.

These out-of-school services will be up and running in the coming months, giving the centres time to ensure staff are well supported and qualified to provide quality care to the children and teenagers.