By JOLENE OGLE
Vulnerable local families and their children will benefit from more support through a new community-based child safety intake and referral service.
Member for Noosa Glen Elmes said the new service, which comes as a recommendation of the Queensland Child Protection Commission, will shift the focus from placing children in care to keeping families together.
“Instead, they will have access to information, support and referrals through this new service,” he said.
The new service will operate through two arms.
Act For Kids will facilitate the new Sunshine Coast Family and Child Connect service, while local organisation United Synergies, will offer support through an intensive family support service.
United Synergies CEO Christopher John said the new service was a community-based approach and will focus on families most at risk of having a child removed.
“We will be addressing issues in the home, such as violence, and making sure young people grow up happy,” he said.
United Synergies will be able to assist 110 Sunshine Coast families each year.
“This is a good win for the Sunshine Coast,” Mr John said.
“The area needs additional support and this will provide it.”
Mr John said United Synergies will also work with the local university to offer social work students hands-on experience in a placement program.
University of the Sunshine Coast Associate Professor and social work program coordinator Christine Morley said the university was delighted to join with United Synergies.
“It means there will be increased opportunities for our students to be part of new and innovative developments that are happening in local service delivery,” she said.
Social work students at USC undertake 1000 hours of field placement in local human service organisations under the supervision of a qualified social worker.
“Placements are an excellent opportunity for students to integrate the theory and practice/class room based learning, with real life practice experience,” Professor Morley said.
“Students often talk about placement as one of the most challenging, rewarding, and sometimes profoundly life changing parts of their studies.
“Placements also mean that students graduate with work ready skills and practical experience in the field.
“A number of social work students at USC have entered the paid workforce directly from their placement experiences.”
United Synergies will begin to accept students for placement from February 2015.
