Almost 400 children have been safely reunited with their parents under a NSW government program which aims to decrease the number of children in out-of-home care.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Newpin program, which is delivered by community service organisation Uniting, is a long-term education and support program that works with families to improve parenting so children can live safely at home.
Parents and their children attend a Newpin centre up to four times a week for about 18 months where they undertake therapy, parenting courses and relationship building.
Families Minister Gareth Ward said the program had been in place for seven years as a pilot, with more than 60 per cent of children returned to the care of their parents during that time.
"Newpin is designed to reunite families by providing long-term therapeutic support that builds parenting skills and addresses issues like mental health, isolation, social disadvantage or family violence," Mr Ward said in a statement on Wednesday.
"A safe, loving and permanent home is critical for children. Our government will continue to invest in evidence-based programs that create stability."
Uniting has been awarded a new contract to keep delivering the service across the state.
Uniting NSW/ACT director of children, youth and families Sue Shilbury said the program aimed to create a safe and judgement-free learning environment for parents and children.
"Our talented, committed teams truly see it as a privilege to work alongside Newpin parents and children every day, to watch them grow stronger and ultimately achieve their restoration goals," she said in a statement.
Up to 20 per cent of families referred to the program are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
The program is funded by the NSW government's Social Benefit Bond which calls for private investors to fund the service.
Australian Associated Press
