Brisbane Youth Service is thrilled to announce an exciting new initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable families in our community: the Safe Young Mums and Bubs Program. This program is a key component of the Queensland Government’s Putting Queensland Kids First strategy, which focuses on investing in the youngest Queenslanders to create positive and healthy pathways for life.
A Significant Investment in Our Future
As part of this groundbreaking strategy, the Queensland Government has committed $11.2 million to early intervention initiatives designed to assist vulnerable families. Specifically, $9 million will be allocated under the Safe Pathways program, which includes our new Safe Young Mums and Bubs Program. This investment will allow BYS to provide critical support to young pregnant and parenting mothers aged 16-25 and their babies, who are at risk of homelessness and/or experiencing domestic and family violence.
Program Highlights
The Safe Young Mums and Bubs Program will offer:
- Intensive Therapeutic and Housing Support: Our dedicated team will provide tailored support to meet the unique needs of each family
- An Integrated Care Team: A multi-disciplinary team will work collaboratively to address the various challenges faced by young mothers, focusing on the attachment between mother and their child, and the interrelationship of their health and wellbeing. The holistic service response includes access to psychology, allied health, DFV supports and inclusion of young fathers’ support.
Importantly, this program is designed to support mums and bubs to stay together and safe thereby avoiding out of home care placements. By creating safety, promoting wellbeing, strengthening relationships and increasing parent:child attachment we aim to prevent the need for statutory intervention and enhance future outcomes for young families.
The Importance of Early Intervention
As highlighted by the Honourable Charis Mullen, Minister for Child Safety, “Early intervention is essential for vulnerable families as it gives them the support they need at the time they need it.” The Putting Queensland Kids First strategy aims to ensure that Queensland children receive the best start in life through increased access to essential services during their crucial development years.
Research shows that investments in early intervention generate significant long-term benefits. The potential value of these preventive measures is estimated at $5.4 billion annually in future benefits for Australia. This underscores the importance of supporting young families before challenges escalate.
“In the coming two years, we will be working diligently to secure a suitable premises for the Safe Young Mums and Bubs Program,” said CEO Pam Barker.
“Our goal is to establish a permanent residential site in partnership with philanthropic and government stakeholders. This space will serve as a safe haven for young mothers and their children, where they can access comprehensive support and resources.”
“We are excited about the potential impact of this program and the positive change it will bring to the lives of young families in our community. Stay tuned for updates as we embark on this important journey!”