The Finocchiaro CLP Government has appointed three experienced care providers to deliver Intensive Therapeutic Residential Care (ITRC) across the Northern Territory.The new contracts will transform support for some of the Territory's most vulnerable children and young people with complex needs.Backed by an additional $10 million in baseline funding for out-of-home care services in 2026-27 - including Intensive Therapeutic Residential Care - this is the Finocchiaro CLP Government delivering real, lasting change for Territory children and families.
As part of the Finocchiaro CLP Government's commitment to keeping Territory children safe and tackling the root causes of crime, Life Without Barriers, Pathfinders and Carpentaria have been awarded contracts to deliver Intensive Therapeutic Residential Care services across the Territory from 14 May 2026.
Intensive Therapeutic Residential Care provides safe, structured, and therapeutic residential care for children and young people who cannot be supported in family-based placements, helping young people heal from trauma, build positive relationships and transition to more stable living arrangements.
The impact is already being felt. One young person who had disengaged from services and was involved in high-risk offending has re-engaged with school and reduced offending after being supported through a placement. Another who had been self-placing and disengaged from support has built positive relationships with carers and now spends most of their time in a safe and stable home.
Minister for Child Protection Robyn Cahill said the appointments brought together providers with the experience and local commitment to make a real difference for Territory children.
"Intensive Therapeutic Residential Care gives young people the stability, consistency and relationships they need to heal from trauma and build a safer future."
"We are investing in services that keep children safe, strengthen families and support better long-term outcomes for young Territorians - because when children are safe and stable, communities are stronger."
All three providers have committed to strong local workforces. Carpentaria brings a long-standing Territory presence with an all-local workforce and extensive experience supporting Aboriginal communities. Life Without Barriers has more than 90 per cent of its workforce based locally. Pathfinders, with offices in Palmerston and Alice Springs, is focused on growing local employment including increasing Aboriginal workforce participation.
