Building on our $3.1 billion investment since the 2019/20 Budget, this year, we’ll provide an additional $895 million to protect our children and help keep vulnerable families together, including:
- $548 million to meet demand for residential care placements for children and young people, the biggest single investment in care services in a decade. This includes targeted care packages to help children and young people to live in suitable care arrangements and to prevent entry into residential care. This funding will also provide more therapeutic supports in residential care homes and address child sexual exploitation.
- $140 million to reduce Aboriginal overrepresentation in child protection and family services through culturally appropriate care, led by the Aboriginal community. This funding will also expand the trial of an Aboriginal‑led investigation team for child protection reports.
- $11 million to continue trials to embed family services in universal settings such as schools, early years services and community health hubs so that vulnerable families can access support where and when they need it.
Not only will these investments improve the lives of children and families around Victoria, they’ll also support over 600 jobs across our state.
Reviewed 21 May 2023