Children’s services, family support and youth diversionary activities

The Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER), launched by the former Australian Government in June 2007, has a particular focus on the wellbeing of children and young people.

Existing children’s and parenting services in the Northern Territory are being provided with additional funding, while new services are being established in priority communities including expanded coverage in areas outside major communities.

Existing services under the Invest to Grow and Indigenous Children Programs are delivering an expanded range of services under the NTER, including resources for families and community workers, additional parenting and early childhood development activities, and support to vulnerable Indigenous families to address complex issues such as substance abuse and family violence.

Projects are aimed variously at improving childhood nutrition and family knowledge of good nutrition practices; improving knowledge about pregnancy, birth and parenting for young people; improving parenting and family functioning to support early childhood learning and transition to preschool and school; and improving families’ access to support services such as housing and health.

Five additional facilitated playgroups are being funded under the NTER. These playgroups will increase the number of disadvantaged Indigenous families and children able to access a playgroup in the NT and develop the parenting skills of vulnerable families.

Two mobile Intensive Support Playgroups (ISPs) are already delivering services to 11 community outstations around Tennant Creek and Katherine. A further three Locational Supported Playgroups (LSPs) in Milingimbi, Numbulwar and Yuendumu will begin delivering facilitated playgroup services in early 2009.  

The strengthened parenting programs support early childhood development and growth and promote school engagement and performance. Early childhood programs and playgroups provide a place where children can play and parents get together in an organised and routine environment.

The Australian Government is also providing extra support for programs to curb alcohol and drug abuse and anti-social behaviour among young people.

In 2007-08 expenditure on the Youth Alcohol Diversionary Strategy was $8.5 million on 95 projects, funding a diverse range of activities. These have included sport/recreational infrastructure builds or upgrades, the purchase of sports materials and equipment, the employment of youth workers, special events or organised activities and school holiday programs.

The 2008 Budget provided a further $9.5 million for youth diversionary activities in 2008-09. Many activities begun in 2008 will continue, with some additional youth programs and services provided.