Address the system gaps in child and family services

In 2023, Victoria established the Children’s portfolio (the portfolio) to improve equity, access and outcomes for Victorian children and families. The portfolio continues the work of Roadmap for Reform.

The portfolio puts the needs of the child at the centre of a better connected and more integrated system. It enables better coordinating Maternal and Child Health, Early Childhood Education and statutory and non-statutory Child and Family Services. The portfolio is focused on children aged 0 – 12 years. The portfolio promotes cross government collaboration to better support children and families, including through universal services.

The system continues to intervene earlier through the delivery of evidence-informed Family Services. Family Services work with children, young people and families facing vulnerability so that families are resilient and children and young people can grow up safe and well. Family Services includes:

• Connecting Families - parenting and community support for families with emerging needs, including Early Help Family Services, Koorie Supported Playgroups and Supported Playgroups.
• Strengthening Families for families with cumulative and escalating needs - including in-home, group and individual coaching through integrated family services.
• Restoring Families - offers comprehensive, interdisciplinary, in-home child and family support that is more targeted and intensive for families with significant and enduring needs. It includes services for the Family Preservation and Reunification, Putting Families First and Rapid Engagement and Diversion cohorts.

Programs also continue to support recovery and healing and improve outcomes for children and young people in care. As of 30 June 2025, the Victorian Government has established 200 new therapeutic foster care placements. This is more than doubling the number of therapeutic placements in the Victorian foster care system. Of these, 30 per cent have been reserved for Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations. As of 30 June 2025, all residential care homes in Victoria are funded to provide young people with access to therapeutic supports.