❓ A parliamentary question addresses the impact of substance abuse on families and children in the West and East Kimberley districts, seeking data and information on available resources. The Minister acknowledges the issue, provides assessment numbers, and outlines support programs.
AnsweredQoN 345Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
SUBSTANCE ABUSE — KIMBERLEY DISTRICTS
(1) How many families are estimated by the minister’s department to be adversely affected by severe substance abuse in — (a) the West Kimberley district; and (b) the East Kimberley district? (2) What is the current number of safety and wellbeing assessment records that relate to substance abuse by children in — (a) the West Kimberley district; and (b) the East Kimberley district? (3) What specific resources are available to assist families affected by severe substance abuse in Kununurra, Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing, Derby and Broome? Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY
(1) How many families are estimated by the minister’s department to be adversely affected by severe substance abuse in — (a) the West Kimberley district; and (b) the East Kimberley district? (2) What is the current number of safety and wellbeing assessment records that relate to substance abuse by children in — (a) the West Kimberley district; and (b) the East Kimberley district? (3) What specific resources are available to assist families affected by severe substance abuse in Kununurra, Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing, Derby and Broome? Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) The department recognises that the effect of substance abuse in the Kimberley, as in other districts, is substantial. Family groups in the Kimberley often include extended family members from different areas. The department records information on such family issues only when it becomes involved due to child protection issues and, as such, it is not possible to estimate the number of families affected by severe substance abuse in the Kimberley. (2) For the period 8 March 2010 to 18 May 2011, there were 41 safety and wellbeing assessments of children in which substance abuse was identified as an issue within the family upon presentation to the department in the East and West Kimberley districts. (a) West Kimberley, eight; and (b) East Kimberley, 33. (3) When substance abuse impacts on the safety and wellbeing of children, the department undertakes an assessment and determines whether protective action is required. The department provides support in the form of responsible parenting services to families in which parenting concerns have been identified. These families may be impacted by substance abuse issues. When this is identified, families are assisted to access appropriate services. Responsible parenting services are provided in Broome, Derby, Kununurra, Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing. The department also responds through leadership of the Strong Families program in the Kimberley. This program engages government and non-government agencies in a coordinated response to families with children experiencing multiple difficulties, including substance abuse. The Health Department and other community sector agencies provide substance abuse treatment services in the Kimberley. Yesterday I was in Fitzroy Crossing to open the new Department for Child Protection offices. It is certainly a different Fitzroy Crossing from the one that was there a few years ago. That has been made possible by the introduction of income management, alcohol bans, a group called the Fitzroy Forum and the strong women of the community. It is not perfect, but it is certainly much better than it has been in years gone by. There is a new hospital and there will soon be a new public swimming pool.
(b) the East Kimberley district?
(b) the East Kimberley district?
Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) The department recognises that the effect of substance abuse in the Kimberley, as in other districts, is substantial. Family groups in the Kimberley often include extended family members from different areas. The department records information on such family issues only when it becomes involved due to child protection issues and, as such, it is not possible to estimate the number of families affected by severe substance abuse in the Kimberley. (2) For the period 8 March 2010 to 18 May 2011, there were 41 safety and wellbeing assessments of children in which substance abuse was identified as an issue within the family upon presentation to the department in the East and West Kimberley districts. (a) West Kimberley, eight; and (b) East Kimberley, 33. (3) When substance abuse impacts on the safety and wellbeing of children, the department undertakes an assessment and determines whether protective action is required. The department provides support in the form of responsible parenting services to families in which parenting concerns have been identified. These families may be impacted by substance abuse issues. When this is identified, families are assisted to access appropriate services. Responsible parenting services are provided in Broome, Derby, Kununurra, Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing. The department also responds through leadership of the Strong Families program in the Kimberley. This program engages government and non-government agencies in a coordinated response to families with children experiencing multiple difficulties, including substance abuse. The Health Department and other community sector agencies provide substance abuse treatment services in the Kimberley. Yesterday I was in Fitzroy Crossing to open the new Department for Child Protection offices. It is certainly a different Fitzroy Crossing from the one that was there a few years ago. That has been made possible by the introduction of income management, alcohol bans, a group called the Fitzroy Forum and the strong women of the community. It is not perfect, but it is certainly much better than it has been in years gone by. There is a new hospital and there will soon be a new public swimming pool.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) The department recognises that the effect of substance abuse in the Kimberley, as in other districts, is substantial. Family groups in the Kimberley often include extended family members from different areas. The department records information on such family issues only when it becomes involved due to child protection issues and, as such, it is not possible to estimate the number of families affected by severe substance abuse in the Kimberley. (2) For the period 8 March 2010 to 18 May 2011, there were 41 safety and wellbeing assessments of children in which substance abuse was identified as an issue within the family upon presentation to the department in the East and West Kimberley districts. (a) West Kimberley, eight; and (b) East Kimberley, 33. (3) When substance abuse impacts on the safety and wellbeing of children, the department undertakes an assessment and determines whether protective action is required. The department provides support in the form of responsible parenting services to families in which parenting concerns have been identified. These families may be impacted by substance abuse issues. When this is identified, families are assisted to access appropriate services. Responsible parenting services are provided in Broome, Derby, Kununurra, Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing. The department also responds through leadership of the Strong Families program in the Kimberley. This program engages government and non-government agencies in a coordinated response to families with children experiencing multiple difficulties, including substance abuse. The Health Department and other community sector agencies provide substance abuse treatment services in the Kimberley. Yesterday I was in Fitzroy Crossing to open the new Department for Child Protection offices. It is certainly a different Fitzroy Crossing from the one that was there a few years ago. That has been made possible by the introduction of income management, alcohol bans, a group called the Fitzroy Forum and the strong women of the community. It is not perfect, but it is certainly much better than it has been in years gone by. There is a new hospital and there will soon be a new public swimming pool.
(1) The department recognises that the effect of substance abuse in the Kimberley, as in other districts, is substantial. Family groups in the Kimberley often include extended family members from different areas. The department records information on such family issues only when it becomes involved due to child protection issues and, as such, it is not possible to estimate the number of families affected by severe substance abuse in the Kimberley. (2) For the period 8 March 2010 to 18 May 2011, there were 41 safety and wellbeing assessments of children in which substance abuse was identified as an issue within the family upon presentation to the department in the East and West Kimberley districts. (a) West Kimberley, eight; and (b) East Kimberley, 33. (3) When substance abuse impacts on the safety and wellbeing of children, the department undertakes an assessment and determines whether protective action is required. The department provides support in the form of responsible parenting services to families in which parenting concerns have been identified. These families may be impacted by substance abuse issues. When this is identified, families are assisted to access appropriate services. Responsible parenting services are provided in Broome, Derby, Kununurra, Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing. The department also responds through leadership of the Strong Families program in the Kimberley. This program engages government and non-government agencies in a coordinated response to families with children experiencing multiple difficulties, including substance abuse. The Health Department and other community sector agencies provide substance abuse treatment services in the Kimberley. Yesterday I was in Fitzroy Crossing to open the new Department for Child Protection offices. It is certainly a different Fitzroy Crossing from the one that was there a few years ago. That has been made possible by the introduction of income management, alcohol bans, a group called the Fitzroy Forum and the strong women of the community. It is not perfect, but it is certainly much better than it has been in years gone by. There is a new hospital and there will soon be a new public swimming pool.
(2) For the period 8 March 2010 to 18 May 2011, there were 41 safety and wellbeing assessments of children in which substance abuse was identified as an issue within the family upon presentation to the department in the East and West Kimberley districts. (a) West Kimberley, eight; and (b) East Kimberley, 33. (3) When substance abuse impacts on the safety and wellbeing of children, the department undertakes an assessment and determines whether protective action is required. The department provides support in the form of responsible parenting services to families in which parenting concerns have been identified. These families may be impacted by substance abuse issues. When this is identified, families are assisted to access appropriate services. Responsible parenting services are provided in Broome, Derby, Kununurra, Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing. The department also responds through leadership of the Strong Families program in the Kimberley. This program engages government and non-government agencies in a coordinated response to families with children experiencing multiple difficulties, including substance abuse. The Health Department and other community sector agencies provide substance abuse treatment services in the Kimberley. Yesterday I was in Fitzroy Crossing to open the new Department for Child Protection offices. It is certainly a different Fitzroy Crossing from the one that was there a few years ago. That has been made possible by the introduction of income management, alcohol bans, a group called the Fitzroy Forum and the strong women of the community. It is not perfect, but it is certainly much better than it has been in years gone by. There is a new hospital and there will soon be a new public swimming pool.
(a) West Kimberley, eight; and (b) East Kimberley, 33. (3) When substance abuse impacts on the safety and wellbeing of children, the department undertakes an assessment and determines whether protective action is required. The department provides support in the form of responsible parenting services to families in which parenting concerns have been identified. These families may be impacted by substance abuse issues. When this is identified, families are assisted to access appropriate services. Responsible parenting services are provided in Broome, Derby, Kununurra, Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing. The department also responds through leadership of the Strong Families program in the Kimberley. This program engages government and non-government agencies in a coordinated response to families with children experiencing multiple difficulties, including substance abuse. The Health Department and other community sector agencies provide substance abuse treatment services in the Kimberley. Yesterday I was in Fitzroy Crossing to open the new Department for Child Protection offices. It is certainly a different Fitzroy Crossing from the one that was there a few years ago. That has been made possible by the introduction of income management, alcohol bans, a group called the Fitzroy Forum and the strong women of the community. It is not perfect, but it is certainly much better than it has been in years gone by. There is a new hospital and there will soon be a new public swimming pool.
(b) East Kimberley, 33. (3) When substance abuse impacts on the safety and wellbeing of children, the department undertakes an assessment and determines whether protective action is required. The department provides support in the form of responsible parenting services to families in which parenting concerns have been identified. These families may be impacted by substance abuse issues. When this is identified, families are assisted to access appropriate services. Responsible parenting services are provided in Broome, Derby, Kununurra, Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing. The department also responds through leadership of the Strong Families program in the Kimberley. This program engages government and non-government agencies in a coordinated response to families with children experiencing multiple difficulties, including substance abuse. The Health Department and other community sector agencies provide substance abuse treatment services in the Kimberley. Yesterday I was in Fitzroy Crossing to open the new Department for Child Protection offices. It is certainly a different Fitzroy Crossing from the one that was there a few years ago. That has been made possible by the introduction of income management, alcohol bans, a group called the Fitzroy Forum and the strong women of the community. It is not perfect, but it is certainly much better than it has been in years gone by. There is a new hospital and there will soon be a new public swimming pool.
(3) When substance abuse impacts on the safety and wellbeing of children, the department undertakes an assessment and determines whether protective action is required. The department provides support in the form of responsible parenting services to families in which parenting concerns have been identified. These families may be impacted by substance abuse issues. When this is identified, families are assisted to access appropriate services. Responsible parenting services are provided in Broome, Derby, Kununurra, Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing. The department also responds through leadership of the Strong Families program in the Kimberley. This program engages government and non-government agencies in a coordinated response to families with children experiencing multiple difficulties, including substance abuse. The Health Department and other community sector agencies provide substance abuse treatment services in the Kimberley. Yesterday I was in Fitzroy Crossing to open the new Department for Child Protection offices. It is certainly a different Fitzroy Crossing from the one that was there a few years ago. That has been made possible by the introduction of income management, alcohol bans, a group called the Fitzroy Forum and the strong women of the community. It is not perfect, but it is certainly much better than it has been in years gone by. There is a new hospital and there will soon be a new public swimming pool.
(b) the East Kimberley district?
(b) the East Kimberley district?
Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) The department recognises that the effect of substance abuse in the Kimberley, as in other districts, is substantial. Family groups in the Kimberley often include extended family members from different areas. The department records information on such family issues only when it becomes involved due to child protection issues and, as such, it is not possible to estimate the number of families affected by severe substance abuse in the Kimberley. (2) For the period 8 March 2010 to 18 May 2011, there were 41 safety and wellbeing assessments of children in which substance abuse was identified as an issue within the family upon presentation to the department in the East and West Kimberley districts. (a) West Kimberley, eight; and (b) East Kimberley, 33. (3) When substance abuse impacts on the safety and wellbeing of children, the department undertakes an assessment and determines whether protective action is required. The department provides support in the form of responsible parenting services to families in which parenting concerns have been identified. These families may be impacted by substance abuse issues. When this is identified, families are assisted to access appropriate services. Responsible parenting services are provided in Broome, Derby, Kununurra, Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing. The department also responds through leadership of the Strong Families program in the Kimberley. This program engages government and non-government agencies in a coordinated response to families with children experiencing multiple difficulties, including substance abuse. The Health Department and other community sector agencies provide substance abuse treatment services in the Kimberley. Yesterday I was in Fitzroy Crossing to open the new Department for Child Protection offices. It is certainly a different Fitzroy Crossing from the one that was there a few years ago. That has been made possible by the introduction of income management, alcohol bans, a group called the Fitzroy Forum and the strong women of the community. It is not perfect, but it is certainly much better than it has been in years gone by. There is a new hospital and there will soon be a new public swimming pool.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) The department recognises that the effect of substance abuse in the Kimberley, as in other districts, is substantial. Family groups in the Kimberley often include extended family members from different areas. The department records information on such family issues only when it becomes involved due to child protection issues and, as such, it is not possible to estimate the number of families affected by severe substance abuse in the Kimberley. (2) For the period 8 March 2010 to 18 May 2011, there were 41 safety and wellbeing assessments of children in which substance abuse was identified as an issue within the family upon presentation to the department in the East and West Kimberley districts. (a) West Kimberley, eight; and (b) East Kimberley, 33. (3) When substance abuse impacts on the safety and wellbeing of children, the department undertakes an assessment and determines whether protective action is required. The department provides support in the form of responsible parenting services to families in which parenting concerns have been identified. These families may be impacted by substance abuse issues. When this is identified, families are assisted to access appropriate services. Responsible parenting services are provided in Broome, Derby, Kununurra, Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing. The department also responds through leadership of the Strong Families program in the Kimberley. This program engages government and non-government agencies in a coordinated response to families with children experiencing multiple difficulties, including substance abuse. The Health Department and other community sector agencies provide substance abuse treatment services in the Kimberley. Yesterday I was in Fitzroy Crossing to open the new Department for Child Protection offices. It is certainly a different Fitzroy Crossing from the one that was there a few years ago. That has been made possible by the introduction of income management, alcohol bans, a group called the Fitzroy Forum and the strong women of the community. It is not perfect, but it is certainly much better than it has been in years gone by. There is a new hospital and there will soon be a new public swimming pool.
(1) The department recognises that the effect of substance abuse in the Kimberley, as in other districts, is substantial. Family groups in the Kimberley often include extended family members from different areas. The department records information on such family issues only when it becomes involved due to child protection issues and, as such, it is not possible to estimate the number of families affected by severe substance abuse in the Kimberley. (2) For the period 8 March 2010 to 18 May 2011, there were 41 safety and wellbeing assessments of children in which substance abuse was identified as an issue within the family upon presentation to the department in the East and West Kimberley districts. (a) West Kimberley, eight; and (b) East Kimberley, 33. (3) When substance abuse impacts on the safety and wellbeing of children, the department undertakes an assessment and determines whether protective action is required. The department provides support in the form of responsible parenting services to families in which parenting concerns have been identified. These families may be impacted by substance abuse issues. When this is identified, families are assisted to access appropriate services. Responsible parenting services are provided in Broome, Derby, Kununurra, Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing. The department also responds through leadership of the Strong Families program in the Kimberley. This program engages government and non-government agencies in a coordinated response to families with children experiencing multiple difficulties, including substance abuse. The Health Department and other community sector agencies provide substance abuse treatment services in the Kimberley. Yesterday I was in Fitzroy Crossing to open the new Department for Child Protection offices. It is certainly a different Fitzroy Crossing from the one that was there a few years ago. That has been made possible by the introduction of income management, alcohol bans, a group called the Fitzroy Forum and the strong women of the community. It is not perfect, but it is certainly much better than it has been in years gone by. There is a new hospital and there will soon be a new public swimming pool.
(2) For the period 8 March 2010 to 18 May 2011, there were 41 safety and wellbeing assessments of children in which substance abuse was identified as an issue within the family upon presentation to the department in the East and West Kimberley districts. (a) West Kimberley, eight; and (b) East Kimberley, 33. (3) When substance abuse impacts on the safety and wellbeing of children, the department undertakes an assessment and determines whether protective action is required. The department provides support in the form of responsible parenting services to families in which parenting concerns have been identified. These families may be impacted by substance abuse issues. When this is identified, families are assisted to access appropriate services. Responsible parenting services are provided in Broome, Derby, Kununurra, Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing. The department also responds through leadership of the Strong Families program in the Kimberley. This program engages government and non-government agencies in a coordinated response to families with children experiencing multiple difficulties, including substance abuse. The Health Department and other community sector agencies provide substance abuse treatment services in the Kimberley. Yesterday I was in Fitzroy Crossing to open the new Department for Child Protection offices. It is certainly a different Fitzroy Crossing from the one that was there a few years ago. That has been made possible by the introduction of income management, alcohol bans, a group called the Fitzroy Forum and the strong women of the community. It is not perfect, but it is certainly much better than it has been in years gone by. There is a new hospital and there will soon be a new public swimming pool.
(a) West Kimberley, eight; and (b) East Kimberley, 33. (3) When substance abuse impacts on the safety and wellbeing of children, the department undertakes an assessment and determines whether protective action is required. The department provides support in the form of responsible parenting services to families in which parenting concerns have been identified. These families may be impacted by substance abuse issues. When this is identified, families are assisted to access appropriate services. Responsible parenting services are provided in Broome, Derby, Kununurra, Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing. The department also responds through leadership of the Strong Families program in the Kimberley. This program engages government and non-government agencies in a coordinated response to families with children experiencing multiple difficulties, including substance abuse. The Health Department and other community sector agencies provide substance abuse treatment services in the Kimberley. Yesterday I was in Fitzroy Crossing to open the new Department for Child Protection offices. It is certainly a different Fitzroy Crossing from the one that was there a few years ago. That has been made possible by the introduction of income management, alcohol bans, a group called the Fitzroy Forum and the strong women of the community. It is not perfect, but it is certainly much better than it has been in years gone by. There is a new hospital and there will soon be a new public swimming pool.
(b) East Kimberley, 33. (3) When substance abuse impacts on the safety and wellbeing of children, the department undertakes an assessment and determines whether protective action is required. The department provides support in the form of responsible parenting services to families in which parenting concerns have been identified. These families may be impacted by substance abuse issues. When this is identified, families are assisted to access appropriate services. Responsible parenting services are provided in Broome, Derby, Kununurra, Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing. The department also responds through leadership of the Strong Families program in the Kimberley. This program engages government and non-government agencies in a coordinated response to families with children experiencing multiple difficulties, including substance abuse. The Health Department and other community sector agencies provide substance abuse treatment services in the Kimberley. Yesterday I was in Fitzroy Crossing to open the new Department for Child Protection offices. It is certainly a different Fitzroy Crossing from the one that was there a few years ago. That has been made possible by the introduction of income management, alcohol bans, a group called the Fitzroy Forum and the strong women of the community. It is not perfect, but it is certainly much better than it has been in years gone by. There is a new hospital and there will soon be a new public swimming pool.
(3) When substance abuse impacts on the safety and wellbeing of children, the department undertakes an assessment and determines whether protective action is required. The department provides support in the form of responsible parenting services to families in which parenting concerns have been identified. These families may be impacted by substance abuse issues. When this is identified, families are assisted to access appropriate services. Responsible parenting services are provided in Broome, Derby, Kununurra, Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing. The department also responds through leadership of the Strong Families program in the Kimberley. This program engages government and non-government agencies in a coordinated response to families with children experiencing multiple difficulties, including substance abuse. The Health Department and other community sector agencies provide substance abuse treatment services in the Kimberley. Yesterday I was in Fitzroy Crossing to open the new Department for Child Protection offices. It is certainly a different Fitzroy Crossing from the one that was there a few years ago. That has been made possible by the introduction of income management, alcohol bans, a group called the Fitzroy Forum and the strong women of the community. It is not perfect, but it is certainly much better than it has been in years gone by. There is a new hospital and there will soon be a new public swimming pool.
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