❓ Hon. Stephen Dawson questions the Minister for Child Protection about the cessation of the Aboriginal cultural day program, its rationale, cost implications, participation numbers, and future respite care for Aboriginal children. The Minister confirms the program's cessation and resource redirection, citing a review and the development of a cultural planning position.
AnsweredQoN 1120Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
DEPARTMENT
FOR CHILD PROTECTION AND FAMILY SUPPORT — ABORIGINAL CULTURAL DAY
PROGRAM
1120. Hon STEPHEN DAWSON to the
Minister for Child Protection:
I refer to the
department's Aboriginal cultural day program.
(1) Is
consideration being given or has a decision been made to cease or change the
program?
(2) If yes to
(1) —
(a) why has
this decision been made and what are the details of the changes; and
(b) will a
cost saving be made as a result of the decision and what is the value of the
saving?
(3) How many
children have participated in the program in each of the following periods:
2012–13; 2013–14; 2014–15; and 2015 to date?
(4) How will
respite be offered to carers of Aboriginal children into the future?
FOR CHILD PROTECTION AND FAMILY SUPPORT — ABORIGINAL CULTURAL DAY
PROGRAM
1120. Hon STEPHEN DAWSON to the
Minister for Child Protection:
I refer to the
department's Aboriginal cultural day program.
(1) Is
consideration being given or has a decision been made to cease or change the
program?
(2) If yes to
(1) —
(a) why has
this decision been made and what are the details of the changes; and
(b) will a
cost saving be made as a result of the decision and what is the value of the
saving?
(3) How many
children have participated in the program in each of the following periods:
2012–13; 2013–14; 2014–15; and 2015 to date?
(4) How will
respite be offered to carers of Aboriginal children into the future?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the
member for some notice of the question.
(1) Yes. The
Department for Child Protection and Family Support has decided to cease the
Aboriginal cultural day program as it currently exists and redirect the
resources.
(2) (a) This
decision was made as part of a comprehensive review of the department's
fostering and adoption services as recommended by the department's
Aboriginal engagement and coordination directorate. The department is currently
developing a cultural planning position that will better meet the needs of
Aboriginal children in out-of-home care.
(b) No cost
saving will be made.
(3) This
information is not collected by the department. However, six of these programs
are run annually involving approximately 20 children per program. It is
envisaged that a far greater number of Aboriginal children statewide will
participate in the new program.
(4) The
department will continue to provide respite care as needed to support children
in their placements.
member for some notice of the question.
(1) Yes. The
Department for Child Protection and Family Support has decided to cease the
Aboriginal cultural day program as it currently exists and redirect the
resources.
(2) (a) This
decision was made as part of a comprehensive review of the department's
fostering and adoption services as recommended by the department's
Aboriginal engagement and coordination directorate. The department is currently
developing a cultural planning position that will better meet the needs of
Aboriginal children in out-of-home care.
(b) No cost
saving will be made.
(3) This
information is not collected by the department. However, six of these programs
are run annually involving approximately 20 children per program. It is
envisaged that a far greater number of Aboriginal children statewide will
participate in the new program.
(4) The
department will continue to provide respite care as needed to support children
in their placements.
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