The WA Council of Social Service is calling for greater focus on children, young people and families as a priority for WA in this State Election.

“This week WACOSS is highlighting the needs of disadvantaged and vulnerable children and young people and calling for greater support for families,” WACOSS CEO, Irina Cattalini explained.

“The WACOSS Policy Advisory Council on Children has confirmed its priorities for 2013 and the Council is seeking to have WA Political Parties address them as part of the election process.”

The Policy Advisory Council is most concerned with the difficulties parents in WA are having accessing universal services for their young children, the complexity of hardship facing young people and families at risk or in crisis and the growing number of children in State care.

The Policy Advisory Council has agreed that we need an improved focus in three areas: 1. Access to universal services for children and parents in the early years, 2. Early intervention for children, young people and families at risk or in crisis, and 3. Improved coordination of service delivery models to prevent children falling through the cracks.

“Our key message this week is that WA needs coordinated client-centred services that meet the needs of children, young people and families.”

“The Council continues to call for an Office of Early Childhood, a state-wide strategy to coordinate early learning and development programs, universal parenting support services and greater provision of youth services to support early identification and referral for those who are vulnerable and at risk.”

“While we have already asked each party for their policies and commitments to address the needs of children, young people and families and published this on our website, we are calling for a greater focus on these issues in the days ahead,” Ms Cattalini concluded.

WACOSS Policy Advisory Council: The WACOSS Children’s Policy Advisory Council brings together members of the Western Australian Council of Social Service with an active interest in policy concerning children and young people. Members include Anglicare WA, Ngala, Wanslea, Communicare, Playgroup WA, Child Australia, CREATE and CLAN.

WACOSS Election Website: http://www.wacoss.org.au/StateElection2013/ElectionPriorities/Week3.aspx

Media Contact:

Irina Cattalini, CEO, ph 0422 422 438 or 9420 7222 Printed and Authorised by Irina Cattalini, 2 Delhi Street, West Perth. WA 6005.

To download a PDF of this media release, please click here.

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