Parenting and Early Childhood
- Introduction
- Funding Process
- Responding Early Assisting Children (REACh) Program
- Indigenous Children Programme (ICP)
- Related Information
Introduction
The Australian Government, through the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA), is encouraging and facilitating a national approach to parenting skills development and capacity building.In relation to parenting and early childhood initiatives, the state and territory governments have the key role in service delivery and the encouragement of local networks.
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Funding Process
Currently, program funds are committed and there are no new funding opportunities planned in the near future. FaHCSIA funding in this area is usually directed to time-limited projects that support and strengthen parenting roles, contribute to the development and wellbeing of children in the early years and assist in the prevention of child abuse. The projects may increase awareness or provide practical advice, resources or strategies to deal with particular issues.When new finding becomes available it is usually allocated through a tendering process where the final approval is at the relevant Minister's discretion. Funding opportunities are listed on the Apply for Funding page and advertised in the national press.
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Responding Early Assisting Children (REACh) Program
FaHCSIA promotes best practice nationally in the areas of child abuse prevention and early intervention and prevention. Across FaHCSIA, funding is provided for a range of programs, projects and/or measures that directly or indirectly assist in the prevention of child abuse.The REACh program is intended to improve the capacity of families and caregivers to respond appropriately to children's needs for care, development and safety through timely access to community resources that can support them in their parenting role. It aims to improve access to support services and will encourage families to engage with their community through partnership approaches. REACh has an emphasis on ensuring the best possible start and promoting successful transitions for children in vulnerable families. The program is about child-centred, family focused and community connected responses.
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Indigenous Children Programme (ICP)
The Indigenous Children Programme (ICP) was formed in 2006 by a merger of previously funded Aboriginal Islander Child Care Agencies (AICCA) and Indigenous Parent and Family Wellbeing (IPFW) programs.ICP aims to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities and build their resilience and support networks. It is intended that the program will:
Support the wellbeing of children by;
- Improving knowledge, skills and capacity for family wellbeing
- Building resilience and protective factors for children
- Developing positive and strong bonds between children and parents/caregivers and community
- Improving parents and children's access to services that can support their learning and growth in ways that support and build on their culture
Build culturally strong parenting skills and support for families by;
- Improving knowledge, skills, and capacity for parenting within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities (that include both culturally and developmentally appropriate practices)
- Improving access to other services that can support the learning and growth of children and their family members in a culturally appropriate manner
- Improving parent, caregivers and children's access to services that support their learning and development in ways that build on their culture
Build stronger and more sustainable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities by;
- Building the capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to more effectively deliver services to children and families.
- Building partnerships between Indigenous controlled organisations and other services to address gaps in services and increase resources to communities.