In March 2018 a new model of kinship care was introduced across Victoria.
The model provides better support for kinship placements.
The primary aims of the model are to:
- Identify kinship networks early
- Strengthen reunification, where appropriate
- Promote placement quality, and support children and young people living with kinship families, enabling them to thrive
- Promote placement stability, including reducing the likelihood of entry into residential care.
Key aspects of the model
- 44 (full time equivalent) dedicated kinship care staff employed by the department
- A First Supports program – delivered by Community Service Organisations (CSOs) and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), including the completion of the Part B Comprehensive Assessment, the provision of up to 110 hours of family services, and flexible brokerage to new kinship placements state-wide.
- 300 additional case contracting targets (for CSOs) – for non-Aboriginal children and young people who are on long-term orders or care-by-Secretary orders and who have a non-reunification case plan goal. Aboriginal case contracting is provided through a separate initiative.
- Support for Aboriginal children and young people – funding of 39 targets for 200 hours of intensive family services for the reunification of Aboriginal children and young people, and a state-wide Aboriginal kinship finding service
- Access to brokerage to support and stabilise existing kinship placements at risk of breakdown
Contact
The department has established dedicated email addresses for the new kinship engagement teams, as follows: