Shepparton has been selected for a new pilot program to help vulnerable families involved in the criminal justice system to get the support they need.
Putting Families First involves a single case worker for a family to access services, taking away the confusion of dealing with multiple people and organisations.
It will initially be rolled out to up to 200 families in the Goulburn and Brimbank-Melton areas, targeting mothers leaving custody and young people who have had contact with the justice system.
The program will operate out of Shepparton’s new Justice Service Centre at 409 Wyndham St, which was officially opened by Corrections and Crime Prevention Minister Natalie Hutchins on Thursday, March 31.
Ms Hutchins said for families that did not know where to go for support, having a lead practitioner to connect to services for them would make “a world of difference”.
“We’re hoping to see some really good results of people getting their lives back on track and getting that support and then potentially growing this to other regions,” she said.
The program aims to address the root cause of why people come into contact with the criminal justice system and help them move on with their lives, preventing further offending.
The program will include specialised support for First Nations, African and Pasifika community members through partnerships with dedicated organisations.
Child Protection and Family Services Minister Anthony Carbines said having a single case manager would mean families did not have to keep re-telling their stories to different people.
“It will prevent problems falling through the cracks – keeping vulnerable children safe and families connected,” he said.
Opening the new Justice Service Centre in Shepparton, Ms Hutchins said it would make it easier for the local community to access important services.
The centre brings together providers to the one building, encouraging collaboration and better outcomes for clients.
As well as justice services including community corrections, the centre will also house births, deaths and marriages, dispute settlement services, consumer affairs and sheriff’s office.
The $3.7 million building has been sustainably designed with grey-water recycling, skylights, car recharge stations and solar power.
It features spaces for clients and staff to meet face-to-face and a youth justice room, designed to be a relaxed space encouraging the rehabilitation of young people through programs, activities and services.