Minister Goward opens IFRS

The Illawarra Mercury covered the story in the paper today. The well-researched article is available here.

Minister Pru Goward said the new Warrawong-based service would help reduce the Illawarra’s high rate of statutory child removal, which is almost double the national average.

"This service means that when a school, local hospital or doctor senses a child is at risk of harm, they can be referred here and then the appropriate services can be provided for that family, or child, to stop the problems getting worse," Ms Goward said.

"This is a revolution for the Illawarra, and it will markedly change the way we look after our vulnerable children and stop them from spiralling into crisis to the point where we have no choice but to remove them."

Kerry Moore, Senior Manager, Barnardos Australia South Coast Children’s Family Centre says, “Domestic and family violence and homelessness are the two leading welfare concerns which are coming to the attention of the Illawarra Family Referral Service and these two issues - as well as many others such as drug and alcohol dependence and mental illness - are at a point of critical need.”
 “A lot of the children, young people and their families in this region need a lot of help. The 1800 number means that instead of people feeling desperate and confused about who can help them, they make one call to us. It’s a direct access point for people.”
Along with a free 1800 number that people can call and gain straightforward referrals, the IFRS also provides face-to-face support for more complex matters.

The IFRS team is a dedicated team of nine women who, between them, have approximately 150 years experience in the child and family welfare, child and family health, and Aboriginal specific welfare fields.

Barnardos Australia will operate the Illawarra Family Referral Service out of its South Coast Children’s Family Centre at Greene St, Warrawong.  IFRS incorporates Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Wingecarribee regions.

The service can be contacted on 1800 663 863, 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 52 weeks of the year (except for public holidays).

Click here for the NSW Government FRS website
Click here for the IFRS press release