MALLEE Family Care has called for the Federal Government to reform family and children’s programs, to better serve regional communities.
In its submission to the Department of Social Services’ review of Family and Children (FaC) programs, MFC called for flexible, locally-tailored solutions recognising complex challenges communities are facing.
The organisation serves more than 7000 clients across a 165,481 square kilometre area, and facilitates more than 70 programs.
MFC chief executive Teresa Jayet said there were practical barrier preventing families from accessing vital support services, including transport limitations, venue availability and workforce recruitment.
“The high cost and limited availability of transport and venues has already made it difficult to deliver consistent services, which exacerbates existing inequities,” Ms Jayet said.
“It is therefore essential that funding models reflect the true costs of regional service delivery.”
MFC’s submission included a statement of its strategic priorities, including early intervention, addressing inequities, and building organisational capacity to meet evolving community needs.
Ms Jayet called for a move away from strictly evidence-based approaches to enable cultural adaptation and strengthened partnerships between mainstream providers and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
“Our experience as both a Communities for Children Facilitating Partner and provider of Children and Parenting Supporting services has shown us the importance of genuine collaboration and flexible service delivery models,” she said
“These partnerships are essential for ensuring culturally appropriate and effective support for all families in our community.
“MFC is ready to continue working with our partners and funding bodies to enhance these vital early intervention services for Mallee families.
“Our goal is to ensure that every family, no matter where they live, has access to the support services they deserve.”
