The Child Protection system is overburdened with more children being removed from their homes than ever. Vulnerable families and carers are struggling with the cost of living, housing instability and mental health issues. Early intervention is an area that if funded and resourced correctly, can help ease this burden and support families before they spiral out of control.

To explore the real-world benefits of early intervention programs, Richelle Hunt is talking to Tim Pedlow, Berry Street’s Regional Director in South East Victoria. Tim also oversees the Multisystemic Therapy program or (MST). Richelle also speaks to Laura Vainikka, Clinical Supervisor for MST.

Here too, are some sobering statistics that put the need for early intervention into stark focus:

- Investing approximately $150 million annually over 10 years, will deliver cumulative net savings of $1.6 billion to the Victorian child protection and out-of-home care system alone.

- Approximately 1,200 children would be prevented from entering out-of-home care or progressing to residential care every year.

SVA Report Summary, the Economic Case for Early Intervention 2019.pdf

• The cost of late intervention in Australia is modelled to cost $15.2 billion each year

Teager et al, 2019: How Australia can invest early and return more: A new look at the 15b cost and opportunity

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