Labor is giving Victoria’s residential care services a $35.9 million boost to ensure the overnight safety and support of young people living in residential care recovering from the effects of trauma, abuse and neglect.

Changes to overnight safety and supervision protocols are already underway, and with this funding, mandated overnight shifts to continue in every standard residential care unit will be enabled, with the recruitment of additional staff attending smaller units within 30 minutes statewide.

“Young people in residential care need more than a roof over their heads. They need support, protection and supervision to keep them safe,” said Minister for Families and Children, Jenny Mikakos.

“Intensive support to Victoria’s most vulnerable kids gives young people the best opportunity to get back on track and live happy and successful lives. We’re giving residential care workers the tools and expertise they need to protect and engage children. It will mean young people will feel safer and better supported under our care.”

The funding boost is in addition to recent reforms which include mandated qualifications for residential care workers, supported by $8 million of funding for vocational training for staff, including a further $11.7 million for ongoing property upgrades.

Meanwhile, another $3.2 million has been allocated towards attracting, recruiting and retaining foster carers, while the newly-introduced Targeted Care Packages program has seen more than 190 young people in residential care transfer into more appropriate foster or kinship care arrangements.