17 January 2023
Member Update
Dear Families ACT members,
Happy New Year! We hope you all had a restful break. Our first update for the year provides some information on how you can participate in the 2023-24 ACT Budget consultations, some upcoming key dates for Commissioning and vacancies in the Parenting Engagement Program, run by our member UnitingCare Kippax.
2023–24 ACT Budget Consultation
Survey & Submissions
The ACT Government is seeking views and suggestions as to how it should prioritise and allocate the Territory’s resources in developing the 2023-24 Budget.
This consultation process provides an important opportunity for the community to be involved in the budget. You are welcome to respond to the 2023-24 Budget Consultation survey which closes on 28 April 2023. There is also a form for written budget submissions if you wish to provide more detailed input. For more information about the budget process and consultation visit the ACT Government’s Your Say website.
Advocacy Update
The latest Commissioning Conversations newsletter (yet to be uploaded on the Commissioning website) was sent on 22nd December 2022. It provides a summary of the year’s progress in Commissioning as well as the following upcoming key dates:
6 February - Seniors Card Review consultation closes
10 February - Child, Young People and Families – Input and Feedback due for Discovery paper and Government Interface Workshop
1 March – Child, Young People and Families – Government Interface Workshop
29 March – Child, Young People and Families – Needs and Problem Framing Workshop
April – Homelessness – First procurement process closes
April – Community Support – Procurement process opens
27 April – Child, Young People and Families – Current service user journeys and experiences World Café
May – Community Support – Procurement process closes.
Families ACT continues to also be involved in the implementation of Next Steps for our Kids, the raising of the minimum age of criminal responsibility and the establishment of a Child/Youth Mental Health Services Network, a project led by the Office for Mental Health and Wellbeing in partnership with the Youth Coalition of the ACT and the Capital Health Network.
Other Updates
UnitingCare Kippax Parenting Engagement Program has January vacancies
The Parenting Engagement Program has been designed by UnitingCare Kippax (UCK) as a unique alternative to the range of parenting programs offered in the Belconnen and Gungahlin area. The program works closely with individual families in their own homes to assist in the practical application of the advice and guidance offered in formal parenting education. With the help of trained Parent Mentors, it facilitates opportunities for positive, meaningful, and lasting change and development of ‘good enough’ parenting. UCK has vacancies for families who wish to receive individualised support to build on their parenting skills, including setting routines and preparing meal plans, to relationship enhancement between care givers and children. Spots are available from mid-January onwards. Further inquiries and referrals can be directed to the UCK Parenting Education Officer at Hemali@kippax.org.au
Best wishes,
Yvonne Gritschneder
comms@familiesact.org.au
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