An early intervention program in Caboolture is providing young mothers with the support they need to provide their children with the best possible start in life.
Speaking during a visit to the Young Mothers for Young Women program, Minister for Child Safety Di Farmer said the service was giving mothers under 20 years the skills they need to care safely for their children.
“The value of the investment in early intervention is healthier and happier children and families,” Ms Farmer said.
“More than 100,000 Queensland families have been connected with family support services over the past five years as a result of the Palaszczuk Government’s investment in early intervention,” Ms Farmer said.
“We know parenting can be a challenge – and particularly so for young people.
“Early intervention programs are crucial to providing safe and stable homes for children so we are better equipping young mums with the skills they need at a time when it counts most.”
An evaluation of The Young Mothers for Young Women program by the University of Queensland found an average 75 percent of clients had most of their needs met.
“Since the Caboolture service began, 78 children from 89 families have been supported in accessing healthcare and social support,” Ms Farmer said.
“This is a positive result confirming quality outcomes when support is provided for both mother and child.”
Ms Farmer said the family support program targeted young parents aged under 20 who typically had newborn babies through to toddlers.
“The program provides parents with individualised support and coordinated case management,” she said.
“A specifically designed mothers’ group has been a strong element of the program and offers referrals to services including health, housing and income support.”
Mums and dads can connect with social and community services such as ante-natal, child health services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Wellbeing Services.
Micah Projects Chief Executive Officer, Karyn Walsh said the program was an example of how cross agency and non-government organisations worked collaboratively to meet the specific needs of vulnerable young women and their children.
“We formed a partnership with the Caboolture Hospital and other local services to work together in coordinating professional support and services from pregnancy through to childbirth and parenting,” she said.
“The program has helped parents better understand early childhood development and has assisted them meet their personal health housing, education, training and employment needs.”
