Cash for child health

By Sarah Schwager
CRANBOURNE has scored in this week’s funding announcement for young children with disabilities.
Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development Maxine Morand visited Windermere Child and Family Services in Cranbourne West on Tuesday to announce $3 million for 150 early childhood intervention places.
Windermere will receive 30 of these.
Each place includes special education, therapy and counselling as well as support in kindergarten and childcare and transition to school.
Another $3.2 million will fund 150 specialised support packages including respite for parents, home modifications, additional specialist assessments and therapy, transport, specialised equipment and aids.
These packages will be distributed to agencies across Victoria according to need.
Ms Morand said research had shown the sooner children with a disability were supported, the greater their chance of reaching their potential and leading fulfilling lives in the mainstream community.
“It also shows the prevalence of autism in Victoria is growing – reflecting a world wide trend,” she said.
According to the research, from 1997 to 2002 the number of Victorian children diagnosed with autism grew from 19 per 10,000 children to 27 per 10,000 children.
“Today, autism diagnostic rates in Victoria are between 40 to 60 per 10,000 children – up to three times more than 10 years ago.
“This has put increasing pressure on early intervention services.”
Ms Morand said funding for places in particular areas was determined on population growth figures and demand, with Cranbourne topping the list.
Windermere will now receive $150,000 of funding for the extra places.
“Support packages will be tailored to meet the individual needs of children and their families.
“Children with high needs, such as autism, were a priority. About 30 per cent of the funding will support autistic children and their families,” Ms Morand said.