BOOST TO EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES IN NORTHERN METROPOLITAN REGION
Christine Campbell, Member for Pascoe Vale, today announced 167 more children with a disability or developmental delay in the Northern Metropolitan Region will benefit from a Brumby Labor Government boost to early intervention services.
The places are among 500 to be allocated across the state, completing a $23.9 million commitment to provide 1000 extra places over two years.
Ms Campbell said the Brumby Labor Government recognised early intervention improved a child’s future development and that it was important to fund local services to support their local families.
“It is important a disability or a developmental delay is identified early, so that children can get appropriate support from trained professionals,” Ms Campbell said.
“The Brumby Labor Government is committed to giving all children the best start in life, no matter their individual circumstances, so we can help ensure they have better futures.
Early intervention services can include: speech pathology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and special education, as well as service planning and coordination, counselling, and assistance to access key services such as childcare and kindergarten.
Ms Campbell said it was vital that children in Northern Metropolitan Region who had special needs were given the appropriate supports.
“These places will help ensure our children are better supported through early identification,” Ms Campbell said said.
As part of the 2008-09 Budget, the Brumby Government allocated $23.9 million for the additional 1000 early intervention places.
Five hundred places have already been allocated and this is the second phase of the initiative.
In the Northern Metropolitan Region, the service providers selected to deliver the 167 additional early childhood intervention services places are:
| Agency | No. of places |
| Dianella/Broad Insight Group Inc | 10 |
| Kalparrin Early Childhood Intervention Program Inc | 10 |
| Merri Community Health Services Ltd | 25 |
| Noah’s Ark Inc | 33 |
| Norparrin Centre for Children with Special Needs Inc | 32 |
| Scope Victoria Limited - Glenroy | 28 |
| Sunbury Community Health Centre | 9 |
| Villa Maria Society (St Pauls ECIS) | 10 |
| Yooralla Society of Victoria - Glenroy | 10 |
| Regional Total | 167 |