The Department is focused on improving the health and wellbeing of all Territorians through providing a range of services to children, youth and families. A key strategic theme in the Department's 2007-2009 strategic plan is 'Healthy kids in strong families'.
We know that what happens to babies before they are born and in the first few years of life is hugely important for their health and wellbeing throughout the rest of their lives. We also know that family income and environment, education, care and parenting continue to have a significant impact on the health of children as they grow and develop. Improving the experiences of children and young people at all ages has a positive effect on long term health, wellbeing and the ability to cope with life's challenges.
Caring families are the basis of most Territorians ability to take responsibility for themselves and care for others, such as children and young people. The Department supports families in a range of ways encouraging healthy and supportive roles in families for men and women. We provide support to families in crisis, families who need extra support before crises occur and families who need guidance with typical challenges of parenting.
Experiences of child abuse, neglect and exposure to violence are known to be extremely harmful for children and young people. The Department works to protect children by investigating cases of suspected abuse and where necessary intervening to ensure children are safe.
NT Families and Children (NTFC) is the branch of the Department that administers Northern Territory and Commonwealth funding to purchase and provide the range of services that address issues such as the care and protection of children and the improvement of individual and family well being.
Through NTFC, the Department provides or funds the following range of services to support children, youth and families:
- Support services for individuals and families in crisis including for victims of family/domestic violence and sexual assault, people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and families in financial crisis
- Family support and parenting support services
- Child protection services
- The Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) provides a counselling service to both adults and children who may have experienced (recently or many years ago) any form of sexual assault.
- Foster care services
- Adoption services
Barnardos 2010 NT Mother of the Year Awards.
The Northern Territory Government is very proud to sponsor the Barnardos 2010 NT Mother of the Year Awards. This award recognises the valuable role mothers play in nurturing our children and supporting families. Strong families and good parenting are critical in raising happy healthy children. Mothers throughout the NT are doing fantastic job, so if you would like to nominate her please click on the link below for further information.
Click here to visit the Barnardos website
