Children and young people recovering from the trauma of family and domestic violence will soon receive targeted support, as the Cook Government commits $1.2 million to expand counselling services across Western Australia.
Th funding will establish three senior counsellor roles through eligible community organisations, with each position offering trauma-responsive support to help young victim-survivors heal and recover.
Organisations already working with the Department of Communities on family and domestic violence services can now apply for one of the roles through an Expression of Interest on Tenders WA.
The initiative will fund the chosen organisations over two years, allowing them to deliver both individual and group counselling to about 150 children and young people.
The funding forms part of a broader $8.23 million package over four years from 2024 to 2025, aimed at strengthening therapeutic responses for young people impacted by violence at home.
As part of the package, tenders will open in 2024 to 2026 for three pilot therapeutic services, including two Indigenous Healing Services, and for the creation of a centralised online and telehealth support platform for children and young people.
The government plans to consult with the sector over the next three months to shape these services.
The investment responds to calls made during the 2023 Family and Domestic Violence Summit and aligns with long-term state strategies aimed at improving family safety and systemic reform.
Minister for the Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Jessica Stojkovski said the funding would help ensure young people receive the care they need.
“We know exposure to family and domestic violence has profound adverse effects on children and young people,” she said.
“The funding will be allocated to community organisations to ensure that children and young people, as victim-survivors in their own right, have access to appropriate and tailored counselling services.
“The Cook Government is committed to reducing family and domestic violence in W and boosting the services and professionals who are highly motivated to support children and young people impacted.”
