FAMILIES SA

STATE BUDGET REPORT

Minister Jay Weatherill released details of the 2008 – 2009 State Budget for Families SA to the Public Service Association on 3 June 2008. The Treasurer today formally confirmed details in the Budget.

The following are a number of key items of general application within Families SA.

• An extra $142.1 Million over four years including $124.5 million to ensure children in care are in appropriate accommodation and $17.6 million to address the expected increase in notifications of child abuse.

• A further $28.2 million will be spent over four years on early intervention – including $15 million to support families, when they are first identified as being at risk and $13.2 million to support families when there has been a substantiation of abuse but, with intensive support, the families can stay together or be reunified.

• $8.3 million over four years will provide increased support to relatives caring for children whose parents are unable to, including more caseworkers for these carers.

• $7.3 million over four years to non-government organisations to provide increased support to foster carers through home visits and more intensive case management.

• $4.6 million over four years will further boost foster and relative carer payments.

Minister Weatherill acknowledged the numbers of children in care will continue to rise and the increase in funding will not immediately stop children being placed in motels.

The PSA is concerned that it still appears inadequate funding has been made available to allow for front line staff to appropriately respond to the increasing numbers of notifications of abuse.

The PSA has arranged to meet with Deputy Executive Director, Steve Ramsey on Monday 23^rd June 2008 to discuss the implications for members working in Families SA. All Families SA worksite representatives have been invited to attend.

The PSA welcomes feedback from members concerning the impact of Budget announcements, particularly with examples of how changes will affect the community as well as how they affect members.

The PSA is following up conflicting statements where the Treasurer states there will be job cuts while the Under Treasurer states there will not be cuts.

Any further queries, please contact: PSA Industrial Officer, Vanessa Ravenhill on 8205 3251 or email vr@cpsu.asn.au

            
5 June 2008