The Minns Labor Government’s $48 million investment to extend and expand the Specialist Workers for Children and Young People (SWCYP) program will deliver tailored specialist support to youth in the Campbelltown electorate.
Campbelltown is one of 28 additional LGAs covered under the expansion of the SWCYP program to 10 new services.
This is in addition to funding for 21 existing services delivering the program in over 22 women’s refuges across 46 LGAs being extended to 30 June 2026.
The SWCYP program provides a path to recovery for children and young people from 0 to 18 years of age, staying in refuges with their mothers after escaping domestic and family violence.
Under this program, children and young people are recognised as victim-survivors in their own right and offers holistic, trauma-informed and preventative support.
Specialist workers develop an individualised support plan for each child or young person to help break the pattern of violence and prevent intergenerational trauma
The $48 million boost to the SWCYP program forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s $245.6 million emergency package to reduce the rate of violence against women and children in NSW.
Member for Campbelltown Greg Warren said:
“Domestic and family violence can have a devastating impact on children and young people, whether they have witnessed or directly suffered abuse.
“This program is an important addition to the support services offered to women and children escaping domestic and family violence in the Campbelltown electorate.
“Making sure children and young people have the right support to help them recover will disrupt the cycle of abuse, empowering them to build a future free from violence.”
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:
“Extending and expanding this program means 1,800 children and young people will now have access to support from more than 55 specialist workers in over 32 refuges across 80 Local Government Areas in regional and metropolitan NSW every year.
“Every child deserves to live free from violence and its destructive impact on their health and wellbeing.
“This investment is crucial will provide life-changing assistance for children and young people as they recover from past trauma.
“Supporting families through this holistic response is a critical step to preventing future cycles of violence.”
Domestic Violence Service Management CEO Stephanie Smith said:
“Specialist workers for children and young people allow for a long-term sustainable solution to ending domestic and family violence in Australia. By intervening early with children and young people we are able to disrupt the normalisation of domestic and family violence and allow a reframe of values about relationships and gender dynamics early.
“Our specialist workers are there specifically for the children who historically may have been left behind in the inevitable crisis caused by domestic and family violence. These workers allow the experience of children to be heard, acknowledged and addressed.
“Our services are person-centered which means we don’t have a one-size-fits-all way of doing things. We start with thorough assessments based on what the child and parent are telling us, and we regularly review and adapt our way of working with children to ensure we see progress.”
