Tailored support helps more children and young people escaping violence

Commencing as a pilot in 2022, a $48.1 million investment by the Minns Labor Government has enabled the program to expand to support approximately 1,800 children and young people across 80 local government areas - the majority of which are in regional and rural areas.

Since the program began, more than 5,400 children and young people and their families have benefited from this important program. Across New South Wales, there are now more than 55 specialist workers directly supporting people under 18 who are staying with their mother in women's refuges after fleeing domestic and family violence.

This program treats children and young people as victim-survivors in their own right. Specialist workers determine which children and young people require individual support and provide trauma-informed, child-centred and culturally safe services to meet their specific needs. It can include tailored case management, providing mental health support, connecting families with education, and other supports for the individual child or young person.

Examples of the support provided include helping children engage with school, arranging medical care for them, supporting them on their individual journey of recovery through music or agriculture, and teaching mum new skills such as cooking inexpensive healthy meals.

An evaluation of the SWCYP program by the University of New South Wales showed that it fills a critical service gap and contributes to improved outcomes for program participants across areas such as physical and mental health, education, social engagement and family relationships.

The Specialist Workers for Children and Young People program is part of the NSW Government's commitment to provide long-term certainty to providers and will be commissioned this year for 5 years.

This program is part of the Minns Labor Government's wider effort to address domestic and family violence, which includes boosting crisis responses, strengthening protections for victim-survivors, holding perpetrators to account, earlier intervention and primary prevention.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

"Children and young people who have experienced domestic and family violence are victim-survivors in their own right. Whether they experienced family violence directly, or have lived in a home where family violence was used, there is no doubt that a child or young person is affected. It's vital that we provide them with the support they need to recover and rebuild their lives.

"This program provides holistic support for mothers and their children who have already taken the brave step of fleeing violence, and aims to prevent future cycles of violence and generational trauma.

"Every child and young person deserves to live free from violence and the fear of violence."

Support:

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call the Police on Triple Zero / 000.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, call the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 65 64 63 for free counselling and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For confidential advice, support, and referrals, contact 1800 RESPECT or 13 YARN.