The Tasmanian Liberal Government's number one priority is to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our most vulnerable children and young people.
Our Government has committed $2.6 million to establish programs for young people with complex needs, as well as providing therapeutic supports required for families and carers to maintain placement stability.
The release of the Request for Proposals to deliver a Wellbeing, Care and Recovery Placement Program (WCRPP) further implements the recommendations from the Expert Panel for an improved system response for Tasmanian children and young people with highly complex needs.
The Expert Panel was convened in 2021 following the investigative Review into the Many Colours 1 Direction (MC1D) Therapeutic Residential Program in the Northern Territory.
This Request for Proposals will directly address the recommendations of the Expert Panel to deliver new programs that adopt a therapeutic model of family-based care; incorporate positive elements of MC1D and other essential evidence-based principles; and establish a cross-sectoral oversight group to monitor implementation of recommendations.
The WCRPP will be a local placement program delivered across a range of locations and will work with other services as needed to maximise the safety and wellbeing of the child or young person.
There will be a strong 'On Country' component under the WCRPP, with a focus on maintaining/increasing connection to culture, community and country to enhance wellbeing.
Re-engagement with education or vocational pathways will also be a priority of the WCRPP.
Our Government is strengthening the future for all Tasmanians and this work contributes to the suite of reforms that will transition our child, youth and family system towards a more therapeutic, wholistic approach.
It also represents a significant step forward in the commitment of establishing Out of Home Care programs for children and young people with complex needs in Tasmania.
