New program to keep siblings together
Siblings needing out-of-home care now have a greater chance of remaining together thanks to a new program being supported by Alfred Health’s Child and Youth Mental Health Service.
Head of Alfred Health’s Children and Youth Mental Health Service (CYMHS), Dr Paul Denborough, welcomed the Victorian Government’s announcement and said keeping siblings together at challenging times is crucial for their wellbeing.
“In the absence of parents, siblings provide each other with a much-needed sense of connection. When that connection is interrupted it can exacerbate the trauma,” Dr Denborough said.
As part of the Keeping Connected program, more emergency carers are available to take in siblings and CYMHS will receive funding to increase the number of mobile mental health specialists dedicated to supporting these children.
“Our specialists will continue to work alongside Uniting Victoria staff, who are delivering the program, to assess and provide mental health care for the youth,” Dr Denborough said.
“Sometimes these children come from very broken backgrounds and social circumstances means that their mental health has never been addressed.”
“We’re proud to be involved in this important partnership.”
