Policy
Putting Queensland Kids first – significant announcement from Government
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Freya Lucas
Jun 03, 2024
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The Queensland Government has launched Putting Queensland Kids First, backed by a $501.9 million investment.
Putting Queensland Kids First has been shaped with input from Queensland families, experts, academics, advocates, and professionals in the sector across the state.Investments include:
- $71.40 million for enhanced child health checks in the first five years of life
- $56.55 million for enhanced child development services in priority locations
- $42.66 million for family support coordinators in over 200 primary schools
- $29.86 million for Early Childhood Coordinators within existing child, family and community services
- $26.23 million to extend free kindy hours up to 30 hours per week in discrete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- $20 million for family and early years hubs in Aurukun and Kowanyama
- $11.64 million to support young parents at risk of homelessness
- $10.40 million for mental health support for parents, partners and families
- $10.73 million to provide health practitioners in 20 priority primary schools.
- $4.1 million to expand Connecting2U support to all Queensland families
Initiatives funded by the investment will give Queensland families more support, right from the time of conception, with a significant portion of the investment going toward more health checks for children in the first five years of their lives, including $11.09 million for material supports, such as Pēpi-Pods® and essential material basics for parents who are experiencing adversity.
Pēpi-Pods® encompass safe sleeping education for parents and carers in addition to a small purpose-built plastic tub and bundles of essentials, with the purpose of reducing instances of Sudden and Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI).
The Queensland Government will also invest $9.94 million in early hearing screenings and checks, to identify problems which can lead to developmental delays.
“It is crucial we give our kids the absolute best start in life because we know that early childhood experiences have a significant influence on a young person’s future,” Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said.
“We understand the pivotal role that proactive healthcare plays in shaping overall health outcomes, and the early years are our best opportunity for prevention and early intervention support.”
Expectant and new parents will benefit from an expansion of the Connecting2U Program to all Queensland families. Connecting2U provides weekly text messaging for all Queensland families during pregnancy and extending to five years, with prompts and strategies to support healthy development, parental wellbeing, community connections and information about where to access more support if they need it.
The package will also include a dedicated $15 million partnership fund for non-government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations.
Many initiatives in Putting Queensland Kids First will be led by community service providers, providing access to the earliest possible support and responding directly to the diversity of Queensland’s families and communities.
“Adverse childhood experiences - like poverty, family violence and disrupted access to healthcare or education - can result in a higher risk of contact with the youth justice system,” Queensland Education Minister Di Farmer said.
“Our plan ensures all our children will be supported – from pregnancy and birth to school and beyond, giving the best chance at having the best start in life.
The Putting Queensland Kids First: Giving our kids the opportunity of a lifetime plan can be found here.
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