$25 million invested in WA to support children with additional needs

Children in Western Australia with a developmental delay or disability are set to benefit from an investment of more than $25 million for front line early childhood early intervention (ECEI) services under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

Western Australian Minister for Families and Social Services Paul Fletcher, and Western Australian Assistant Minister for Social Services, Housing and Disability Services, Sarah Henderson, made the announcement earlier this week, with Wanslea Family Services announced as the first NDIS Partner in the community to deliver ECEI services in Western Australia.

Mr Fletcher said Wanslea will support the implementation of the NDIS for children aged 0-6 years at a local community level, describing the appointment of Wanslea as an important milestone for families in the national roll out of NDIS funding.

Mr Fletcher went on to describe Wanslea as well known and respected in the Western Australian community, based on their history of more than 70 years of supporting families in the state.

“Families and children are at the heart of Wanslea. Through their established connections with the community, Wanslea is expected to help Western Australian children with developmental delay or disability to achieve better long-term outcomes.” Mr Fletcher said.

The $25 million investment is said by Mr Fletcher to be able to fully fund thousands of children and families to access the services and supports they need, supporting them at the earliest opportunity.

Describing the NDIS as a “life changing” scheme, Ms Henderson said children in WA will benefit from early intervention to address developmental delay or disability, saying that early support gives each child the best chance of achieving their potential, and that providing quality services early in a child’s life reduces the possible need for longer-term intervention.

“Wanslea will deliver front line ECEI services, helping children and families to engage with the NDIS, understand the role of the scheme in assisting their child’s development, and guide families to appropriate supports.”

Wanslea will establish ECEI services in Central South Metro, South Metro, South West, Great Southern, South East Metro and Inner Wheatbelt from February 2019.

Consideration is still being given to the delivery of ECEI services in the North Metro, Central North Metro and North East Metro service areas, and further announcements regarding these areas are expected in due course.

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) provides planning services in the remaining WA regions of Kimberley, Pilbara, Midwest-Gascoyne, Goldfields, Esperance and Outer Wheatbelt, and is currently reviewing the roll out of ECEI services to these regions.

The NDIA assumed responsibility for the delivery of the NDIS in WA in July 2018. The NDIS will continue to roll out on a geographic basis and will be fully rolled out across Western Australia by 2020 as agreed by governments.

For more information visit www.ndis.gov.au.