South Australia’s 2023-24 State Budget provides more than $216 million extra funding for the State’s child protection system according to the Treasurer, Stephen Mullighan.
Mr Mullighan said the extra funding was to meet the costs of children in care as well as a suite of new measures to support the system.
“Child protection is a top priority for the Malinauskas Government which is making a significant investment to support children, young people and their families,” Mr Mullighan said.
“We recognise the incredible efforts undertaken by family-based carers, and the costs associated with caring for children and young people who have experienced trauma and abuse,” he said.
“Also included is $32.1 million over four years to increase carer payments from 1 July 2023, including an extra $50 per fortnight for general foster and kinship carers for each child or young person in their care under the age of 16 years plus a 4.8 per cent boost to all carer payments to assist with growing cost of living pressures.”
Mr Mullighan said family-based care was the preferred placement option for children and young people in care.
“The increase in carer payments will assist carers with the day-to-day costs of caring for a child or young person,” he said.
The Minister for Child Protection, Women and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Katrine Hildyard welcomed the increase in carer payments saying carers were crucial to the child protection and family support system.
“They help keep children and young people safe and give them a home environment that nurtures and supports them to thrive and move into adulthood with confidence,” Ms Hildyard said.
“We know carers may be experiencing financial hardship with cost of living issues,” she said. We hope these additional payments help relieve stress and better support carers in their incredibly important role,” she said.
The full summary of the State Budget 2023-24 can be accessed at this PS News link.
