The Liberal National Government will spend $2 million over three years to fund a new multi-agency project team with five new staff to support Kalgoorlie-Boulder families, and address high levels of social disruption and juvenile crime.
Child Protection Minister Andrea Mitchell said police and child protection would lead the project team, which was part of Kalgoorlie's Earlier Intervention and Family Support pilot program.
"The State Government is committed to providing earlier and more intensive support to families with complex needs to address juvenile antisocial behaviour and crime, and to prevent children being removed from their families," Ms Mitchell said.
"The program consists of Kalgoorlie-based staff from a number of State Government agencies, dedicated to delivering tailored and intensive support for up to 15 families per year.
"The team will work intensively alongside parents in their homes to help with practical parenting and home management skills.
"Families will also be connected to other support services as needed, including housing, mental health, drug and alcohol and family violence services."
Deputy Premier and Police Minister Liza Harvey said youth crime intervention officers and local police officers would work with child protection to address youth crime in the region.
"The pilot program will also look at realigning funded services to better support the families that are most in need in the long term," Ms Harvey said.
"A better alignment and integration of government and community services will deliver timely and responsive interventions, and increase the safety of individuals and the broader community.
"The State Government is unwavering in its efforts to reduce criminal behaviour, prevent the need for children to enter State care and improve school attendance."
Fact File
Funding for the Kalgoorlie Earlier Intervention and Family Support program pilot runs from this financial year until 2018-19
As at November 30, 2016, there were 4,693 children living in out-of-home care
53% of children in State care are Aboriginal, yet they make up only 7% of WA's child population
Child Protection Minister's office - 6552 5400
Deputy Premier and Police Minister's office - 6552 5900
