Released 06/09/2017
This afternoon I opened the new Uniting Newpin premises in McGregor. Newpin’s service delivery is based on early engagement and targeted support for families. This service aims to empower families to break the cycle of abuse and neglect and restore children home to their parents as quickly and safely as possible.
Newpin provides an intensive family preservation and reunification program delivered in a home environment over 18 months where everyone can feel like they are part of a normal household.
When a family has been separated and the children taken into care, the services offered at Uniting Newpin focus on both the parent and the child and include specific programs targeted at the needs of the family, including connections with drug and alcohol services, conflict resolution and therapeutic supports.
The program aims to break the cycle of destructive and negative family behaviour, prevent child abuse, inspire good parenting, encourage positive parent-child relationships, and raise the self-esteem of individual parents.
The Newpin program operates nationally and has been delivering services in Canberra since September 2016 under the ACT Government’s five year out of home care strategy, A Step Up for Our Kids.
Bob Mulcahy, Uniting Director Resilient Families says that families attend Uniting Newpin for a minimum of two days per week for up to eighteen months, as part of working towards family reunification.
“The concept of the Newpin program is the result of extensive research – and has already reaped great social benefits in other jurisdictions. In NSW, Newpin has a solid evidence base and a track record of delivering successful family restorations – which are independently decided by the NSW Children’s Court,” Mr Mulcahy said.
By engaging with families earlier and targeting supports to meet their specific needs, services such a Newpin can help stem the rate of entry into care and create better long-term outcomes for young and vulnerable Canberrans.
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases