The family and relationship services sector actively engages in strengths based programs and supports that provide resilience and protective factors in children, adults and communities. These are important for building solid foundations. Sometimes, these foundations are required for weathering the storms that life can bring – both minor storms and life-changing events that may occur throughout the lifecourse. Family and relationship services are there to provide support and services to people at whatever point in life they are at.
Looking at issues that have been a focus of politics and society this week – gambling, changes to NDIS eligibility, sexual assault and family violence – we know that when the media spotlight falls away, the reality for those dealing with these and other issues is that it is family – those people individuals deem to be ‘family’ – who help pick up the pieces. Supporting families to manage this is essential.
We are fortunate to have a Commonwealth Government who values and invests in family and relationship services. We need to ensure there is an ongoing commitment to supporting children and adults across the lifecourse and that funding is keeping pace with the real costs of service delivery. Unfortunately – given that we are consistently being told by Government that pressure on funding is tight – the reality is that there is funding slippage occurring and as a consequence, reduced numbers of people that our sector can assist.
With FRSA’s Strategic Leadership Forum coming up in a few weeks, we look forward to again visiting Parliament House and the offices of MPs and Senators en masse. This is a great opportunity for leaders in our membership to share with our political leaders the incredibly valuable work they do, for all families.
