Family violence
Family violence is our nation’s number one law and order issue. That’s why we committed to launching Australia’s first ever Royal Commission into Family Violence.
In response, the Victorian Government is implementing every single one of the Commission’s 227 recommendations, including an unprecedented systemic overhaul of Victoria’s family violence response.
Last year’s Budget included $1.9 billion to begin this work.
The Victorian Budget 2018/19 builds on these foundations.
What will the money be used for?
The Victorian Budget 2018/19 includes investments to:
Ensure victim survivors have access to support
$49.9 million to ensure victim survivors have access to the support they need to recover, including the provision of flexible support packages.
Improve refuge responses
$27.7 million to improve refuge responses for the victims of family violence.
Change behaviour and prevent family violence
$24 million for campaigns to change behaviour and prevent family violence before it begins.
Funding for initiatives under the 10 Year Industry Plan for Family Violence Protection and Response
$5 million provided for initiatives under the Industry Plan for Family Violence Protection and Response.
Safety of children and families
In this Budget, the Victorian Government is also investing in the safety of children and families.
What will the money be used for?
The Victorian Budget 2018/19 includes investments to:
Expand the child protection workforce
$226 million to expand the child protection workforce, and continuing after-hours emergency services and specialist intervention.
Out-of-home care placements
$214 million for out-of-home care placements to manage increased demand and provide increased support to carers through the continuation of the Carer Kafé program.
Provide therapeutic approaches
$141 million to provide therapeutic approaches for children in care with complex needs.
Continue early intervention family services and intensive support programs
$91.9 million to continue early intervention family services and intensive support programs such as Cradle to Kinder, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies and Right @ Home.
Trial a new model of kinship care
$33.6 million to trial a new model of kinship care which identifies kinship networks early, strengthen reunification where appropriate, and ensures children and young people get the care and support they need.
Universal services partnerships funding
$10.4 million for universal services partnerships funding to embed child and family services practitioners in universal services, for example providing early help to families as soon as parenting problems arise or more support is needed.
Expand and continue four program trials
$9.8 million to expand and continue 5 program trials to prevent the abuse and neglect of children including providing intensive weekly support to parents with children up to 5 years old.
Outcomes, Practice and Evidence Network
$7.1 million to continue the Outcomes, Practice and Evidence Network, which brings together service providers and other stakeholders to drive innovation across the service delivery system.
Media releases
Extra investment to end family violence