Call for funding confirmation for specialised treatment to address adolescent violence in the home

Article originally posted by ncoss

OzChild’s evidence-based program Functional Family Therapy (FFT), which is being delivered on the Central Coast is making a difference to families going through challenging times.

Funded through the NSW Domestic and Family Violence Innovation Fund and contributing to the Premier’s Priorities of reducing domestic violence reoffending and protecting our most vulnerable children – FFT aims to intervene early to stop the intergenerational transmission of family and domestic violence.

Under the program, the specialist team works therapeutically with young people who are violent in the home and their families, building the capability of parents while supporting young people to address problem behaviours.

With referrals coming from schools, domestic violence and youth advocacy services, the program responds to a gap in the service system for the Central Coast community. Since it commenced two years ago, the team has supported over 50 families, responding through crisis to build safe relationships, prevent family breakdown and keep young people connected, engaged, and supported.

An evaluation of these specialist interventions is now underway, and preliminary results indicate promising trends, including increases in positive family functioning, positive communication, and capability to address the impacts of trauma.

With the end of innovation funding and a NSW Government commissioned evaluation not yet complete, the team is uncertain if it can continue its vital work beyond 30 June 2021.

OzChild awaits a positive response from the NSW Government for continued funding to deliver this vital program that is plugging a gap, delivering results and breaking the cycle of intergenerational family violence.