THE HON TANYA PLIBERSEK MP
MINISTER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES
SALLY SITOU MP
MEMBER FOR REID
Media Release
Helping children who have experienced family violence to heal, recover, and thrive in 2026
Children and families in Inner West Sydney will continue to benefit from the Women’s and Girl’s Emergency Centre’s (WAGEC) Helping Children Heal program, thanks to a new $742,000 investment by the Albanese Labor Government.
This funding builds on the Government’s existing $3.6 million investment in the program, extending its operation for a further twelve months, meaning that more children and families will have access to the specialist support they need to recover and rebuild after experiencing family violence.
Helping Children Heal is a free program that provides specialist, trauma-informed support for children aged 6 to 12 and their families. It provides tailored, trauma-informed support including tutoring and educational activities, therapy, psychology and health care, and individual interventions for children who have experienced violence.
Almost 400 children and their families have already been supported through the pilot. The program also recognises the importance of supporting children and their parents and caregivers by strengthening family relationships as they recover and heal from family and domestic violence.
Specialist family, domestic and sexual violence services play a vital role in supporting children and their families to heal and thrive. Their expertise and connection to community are critical in ensuring children and their caregivers receive the right support at the right time.
The pilot is currently being evaluated, with findings to inform the next phase of Government action for children and young people under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-32.
More information about the Helping Children Heal program is available on the Department of Social Services website.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek:
“I’ve seen firsthand how the Helping Children Heal program has made a difference in the lives of children.
“Almost 400 children and their caregivers have benefitted from this program, which provides them with a safe and supported environment for healing, development and growth.
“This extra funding ensures these children will not only be able to heal, but also thrive.
“We will continue to invest in programs that make a real, lasting difference to the lives of children and families impacted by family, domestic, and sexual violence.”
Quotes attributable to the Member for Reid, Sally Sitou:
“Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and hopeful. Programs like Helping Children Heal give children who’ve experienced family violence the specialist care they need to recover and rebuild.
“This funding will make a real difference by ensuring more families can access trauma-informed support close to home, when it matters most.
“I’m proud the Albanese Labor Government is continuing to invest in local services and organisations, like the Women’s and Girls Emergency Centre that put children first and recognise that healing takes time and trusted community support.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au for online chat and video call services.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit www.ntv.org.au
MensLine Australia Services are available if you are concerned about your wellbeing, relationships, and behaviour on 1300 789 978 or by visiting www.mensline.org.au
Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
