The services include specialist domestic and family violence support to help vulnerable children and families and Child Safety Minister Shannon Fentiman said tenders have opened for the new Family and Child Connect (FaCC) services and Intensive Family services (IFS) and specialist domestic and family violence services.

“We know that half of all households who come into contact with the child safety system also experience domestic and family violence,” Ms Fentiman said.

“That’s why it makes sense for child and family and, domestic and family violence services to be located together so that Mount Isa and the Gulf children and families receive the support they need to safely stay together.

“This is a great opportunity to bring services together and it builds on my announcement in May for Mount Isa to be one of the first sites for regionally-based integrated services.”

Ms Fentiman said the FaCC services were a vital part of the child safety reform program.

“We want to keep children in Queensland safe from harm – no matter where they live,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Family and Child Connect services aim to give vulnerable families better access to the information, support and referrals they need to get back on track.

“By working together, these services will mean  local families at risk of statutory child protection intervention will no longer need to go through Child Safety Services to get help.”

“The Family and Child Connect and Intensive Family services are part of a $406 million commitment over five years to revitalise the state’s child protection system and better support vulnerable children and their families,” Ms Fentiman said.

“We are committed to implementing the Child Protection Commission of Inquiry recommendations.”

Tenders are available on the QTenders website until 2pm, September 21.