Policy
Federal Government provides funding surety for CaPS and BBF programs
Freya Lucas
Feb 22, 2023
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The Federal Government has provided long-term funding certainty for the Children and Parenting Support (CaPS) and Budget Based Funded (BBF) programs, with a total of 166 projects across each state and territory sharing in a $138.5 million funding extension for up to three years.
CaPS services help improve children’s wellbeing and development by building the confidence and capacity of parents, carers and children through activities such as playgroups, parenting courses, home visiting, peer support groups and school readiness programs.The BBF program focuses on providing families with flexible, affordable and accessible adjunct care and early learning services such as crèches, after school or school holiday programs and free or low-cost childcare for parents who work outside 9am to 5pm, are undertaking training or attending other community services.
As part of this extension, all BBF services will be rolled into the CaPS program to enable better aligned support coordination and administration across the programs. There will be no changes to the service delivery of BBF programs for families and children – the change is largely administrative.
Rural, regional and remote locations – along with those who support First Nations, culturally and linguistically diverse families and those living with disability – will be among the projects funded. The funding extension is the longest extension the projects have been offered under CaPS and BBF in recent years and will provide certainty to providers.
Playgroup Australia and Playgroup Western Australia will share an additional $8.2 million to expand locations, establish intergenerational playgroups and boost participation through subsidised membership fees.
Federal Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the projects are critical in improving the wellbeing of children and families across Australia.
“These programs build strong and resilient families, who are supported to find solutions to any problems that might affect the wellbeing of their family, and who are equipped with the resources they need to support their children to grow and thrive,” she explained.
“Providing funding certainty also means the services can better plan and invest in long-term improvements – leading to better outcomes for families. BBF providers will have improved flexibility around the services they provide.”
The Government anticipates that the changes will help providers to more easily adapt to circumstances, such as COVID-19, where they may not be able to deliver their usual services, or where they have identified a change in the needs of their community. BBF providers will be supported by Department of Social Services staff through the transition.
For further information about the Families and Children Activity programs, visit the Department of Social Services website.
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