A GAME-changing opportunity has presented itself to improve community services for the most vulnerable children, young people and families in Geelong and the Barwon Region, with the establishment of Barwon Child, Youth and Family.
Barwon Child, Youth and Family CEO Sandy Morrison officially launched the new entity at a breakfast held at Deakin University’s Waterfront Campus in Geelong recently.
The new agency was formed after the successful merger between three of Geelong’s most respected community service providers in Barwon Youth, Glastonbury Community Services and Time for Youth.
“The objectives of the merger were not necessarily about becoming a bigger agency but more so about an agency that is better equipped to provide stronger support services to the most complex and at risk children, young people and families across the region,” said Ms Morrison.
“We’ve listened to the voice of our clients and all too frequently individuals and families accessing services such as ours have multiple needs,” she said.
“Our new agency has been developed ‘for the people’ and will allow for much more integrated service delivery, meaning that if a client with multiple needs enters our door they will have access to a diverse suite of services catering for individuals and families of all ages.”
Former Deputy Commissioner of Victoria Police and recently elected Chairman of the Board for Barwon Child, Youth and Family John Frame believes the new entity has the opportunity to shape the future of community services across the region.
“We’ve got a unique opportunity to leverage off the strongest elements of the three founding agencies,” said Mr Frame.
“We are now an agency that is based on integration and multidisciplinary care that puts the needs of our people first.
“We are excited by what the future holds for us as an organisation and for the streamlined approach we can now take to tackling some of the region’s most pressing issues,” said Mr Frame.
More information about Barwon Child, Youth and Family can be accessed at www.barwonchildyouthfamily.org.au.
