The children of domestic violence survivors are to receive dedicated, specialist support of their own under a new program from the Department of Human Services (DHS) designed to address the unique needs of young children and adolescents.
In a statement, the Department said the Safe and Well Kids Program featured a team of experts, including child-focused case managers, Aboriginal family workers and social workers, which provided “wrap around” support to children and adolescents who had experienced domestic and family violence.
The DHS said that in its first three months, the Program had already supported 15 families and was set to help up to 150 families over the next year.
Minister for Human Services, Michelle Lensink said that while frontline domestic violence services focused on the needs of at-risk women, this Program provided support to vulnerable children and adolescents who were exposed to emotional, mental and physical harm as a result of experiencing violence and abuse in the family home.
Ms Lensink said women and their children were referred to the Program by Women’s Safety Services SA (WSSSA) case managers, with the Program set to expand and open up to more direct referrals from the DV Crisis Line and crisis accommodation clients.
“The Program provides practical help for women who are recovering from domestic violence, including access to therapeutic programs appropriate for children, legal advice and support to enrol children in early childhood education where they are able to learn and socialise,” she said.
The Safe and Well Kids Program is delivered by the Legal Services Commission of South Australia with the WSSSA and Relationships Australia (SA).
