Boost for path to recovery for children escaping domestic violence

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Campbelltown will receive part of a $48 million boost to the Specialist Workers for Children and Young People (SWCYP) program.

It is one of 28 additional LGAs covered under the expansion of the SWCYP program to 10 new services, and will receive tailored specialist support for local young people in domestic violence situations.

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.

“Domestic and family violence can have a devastating impact on children and young people, whether they have witnessed or directly suffered abuse,’’ says the Member for Campbelltown, Greg Warren.

“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.”

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,’’ Ms Smith said.

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