New children’s contact services for 10,000 families

Attorney-General Daryl Williams, and Minister for Community Services Larry Anthony, today announced 24 new children’s contact services that will benefit up to 10,000 families.

Mr Williams said the services, funded by $15.6 million set aside in the 1999-2000 budget, would provide a safe, nurturing, environment for children to maintain contact with a parent who was no longer living with them.

“The Federal Government is focussed on meeting the needs of Australian families and this includes looking after children and parents who may no longer be living together,” Mr Williams said.

Mr Anthony said the services offer a neutral location for changeovers between resident and non-resident parents and for supervised contact visits.

“Children whose families have broken up may have experienced conflict between their parents, so it is terribly important to create a safe place for children and parents alike, where any possibility of conflict is minimised,” said Mr Anthony.

Of the organisations, chosen on the basis of need, 80 per cent were located in rural and regional Australia, further demonstrating the government’s commitment to these areas.

“Up to 10,000 more Australian families will benefit from the establishment of the new services, which will be provided by community organisations working in partnership with the Government,” Mr Anthony said.

The Federal Government has committed $15.6 million over four years to help parents manage difficult contact arrangements with their children.

CHILDREN’S CONTACT SERVICES SUCCESSFUL ORGANISATIONS

The 24 new contact services are being established by the following organisations in the following locations: