15 November 2023
Member Update
Dear Families ACT members,
Less than 6 weeks untill Christmas, which might explain this bumper edition of our member update!
In this update: a Commissioning update on some health commissioning cycles and the Draft Service Transitions Framework and Policy, information about the ACT raising the MACR, the Next steps for Our Kids 2022-2030 4-year action plan, a survey on mental health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT, the new Family connections program and the Solid Ground project!
ACT raises the minimum age of criminal responsibility
In an Australian first, the ACT Legislative Assembly has passed legislation to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 14 from mid-2025. The Justice (Age of Criminal Responsibility) Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 passed on 1 November 2023 represents a historic reform that will initially raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 12 on commencement – and then to 14 from 1 July 2025.
Families ACT joined the Youth Coalition of the ACT in congratulating the ACT Government for raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility. We welcome these important changes and look forward to continue working with the ACT Government to establish the service system to support them.
Next steps for Our Kids 2022-2030 4-year action plan released
Early November, CSD released the First Four-year Action Plan for Next Steps for Our Kids 2022-2030, the ACT strategy for strengthening families and keeping children and young people safe. The plan outlines the implementation pathway for Next Steps to 2026. It has been co-designed through a series of workshops and consultations throughout 2023 and outlines the shared work and accountability to keep children and young people safe, strong and connected.
Commissioning
Extension to the Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIBBV) and Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATOD) commissioning cycles
As the Sexually Transmissible Infections and Blood Borne Viruses (STIBBV) and Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATOD) commissioning cycles get to the pointy end of investment, and to support conducive timeframes for subsequent grant activity within these subsectors, the Minister for Health has agreed to further extend existing Service Funding Agreements (SFAs) with STIBBV sector partners for a total of four months through to 30 April 2024 (instead of 31 March 2024 as previously indicated) and with ATOD sector partners for a total of 7 months to 31 July 2024 (instead of 30 June 2024, as previously indicated).
ACT Health indicated that these variations are in the final stages of drafting and will be provided to relevant organisations shortly. More information on the STIBBV Commissioning, (including the STIBBV 2023 Grant opportunity) and ATOD Commissioning websites. Alternatively, email the team at HealthCommissioning@act.gov.au
Draft Service Transitions Framework and Policy
To inform and support the variety of transitions that may take place through commissioning, ACTHD and the Community Services Directorate (CSD) have developed the draft Service Transitions Framework and Policy. While ACTHD and CSD are working together to develop the Process, Capability and Monitoring packages which will sit alongside Policy under the Framework, a timely approach to transitions is required given a number of cycles are already in the Invest phase.
To this end, ACTHD launched the Health Commissioning Transitions Implementation Model which details how transitions (which take place in the first cycle of commissioning) will be managed and funded, particularly for incoming and outgoing providers. More information on the Model will be provided in the 28 November 2023 Health Commissioning Sector Update, please email HealthCommissioning@act.gov.au if you wish to attend.
Other ongoing Commissioning cycles
There are currently over 30 active sub-sector commissioning cycles across the human service system. Each cycle moves along the commissioning phases of discover, strategise, design, invest, deliver & integrate. Regular updates on each cycle are provided on the Commissioning website.
Yulang Survey on mental health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in the ACT
The Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Division (MHSP) within the ACT Health Directorate (ACTHD) is undertaking work to review government-funded mental health services available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the ACT and to identify approaches to enhance culturally appropriate care. MHSP has engaged Yulang Indigenous Evaluation (Yulang) to progress this work, information about Yulang is available at www.yulang.com.au
Yulang has created a survey to help gain a deeper understanding of how government-funded community organisations provide culturally responsive services to the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. The information you provide will help shape mental health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT.
You can access the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/T6R6FSW.
Support for young people experiencing family conflict or violence
Solid Ground is a short-term program aimed at helping young people who've faced family conflicts or violence. The program, created by Canberra Police Community Youth Club Inc (PCYC), runs once a week during a school term. Participants learn about healthy relationships and handling their emotions, while also enjoying daily activities like kayaking, biking, hiking, rock climbing, and more. Referrals to the program are open for young people aged 11 to 18, of any gender, in the Canberra Region who have experienced family conflict or family, domestic, and sexual violence. Please note families must consent to the referral. For more information, click here.
Family Connections, new program launched by CRS and Mhub
The Family Connections Program provides early intervention support to assist young people aged 15–24 years of age and their families to improve family functioning, mitigate the risk of youth homelessness, and improve the overall wellbeing of participating family members.
The primary focus is on multicultural young people and families, but all young people are supported to create an inclusive and accessible service. The Family Connections program operates in partnership with Conflict Resolution Service (CRS) and the Multicultural hub (MHub). The program includes therapeutic case management support, family meditation, and counselling. For more information, contact David Pandey, Therapeutic Case Manager, Family Connections Program at CRS via email at davidp@crs.org.au
Another successful year of JCRs complete
Our last Joint Case Review (JCR) was held on Wednesday 8 November 2023 at our office with more than 18 participants. Thank you to everyone for attending throughout the year and a special thank you to our JCR facilitators who make this program possible. Planning for next year has started and we will promote the dates for 2024 as soon as they are confirmed. Until then, you can read more about our JCRs and other sector development opportunities we offer on our website.
Best wishes,
Yvonne Gritschneder
comms@familiesact.org.au
Policy | Media | Research
