Newpin – New Parent and Infant Network – is a family-based program working with the parents of young children who have been removed under a temporary protection order, to safely return the child to stable and secure home environment.
Families will engage in a range of activities that promote wellbeing, improve parenting capacity and support the development of effective parenting and family relationships. The service is directed specifically to families of young children aged six years and under and provides an intensive, regular engagement program for up to 18 months.
Newpin is an evidence-based, therapeutic program that has successfully operated in NSW and the ACT for over 10 years. Uniting Communities, together with the state and federal governments, bring this innovative program to South Australia under a social impact investment funding model.
Uniting Communities Chief Executive, Simon Schrapel said, “Having Newpin underpinned by private investors is a tangible demonstration of how the broader community is committing to help reduce the rising number of children in State care.”
“Addressing the growing number of children in out of home care who can be successfully and safely reunified with their family needs to be one of the State’s top social and economic priorities.
“With practical intervention and support, relationships can be re-established which allows children to return to live safely with their family in their community,”
Minister for Child Protection Rachel Sanderson said the State Government was committing $15.05 million to the innovative program.
“I am really excited to begin the Newpin Program here in South Australia – it’s another major step towards improving social outcomes for vulnerable families and their children,” said Minister Sanderson.
“It is widely acknowledged that, where it is safe to do so, supporting children to return to their family is highly advantageous to their health and wellbeing and longer-term outcomes, such as education and employment.
“We now look forward to seeing the program’s positive results and the reconnection this will give to many families.”
Newpin Service Manager, Leisha Olliver said that the service’s early intervention focus and group support model is key to driving sustained outcomes. “Our centres allow families to come together in a really supportive and welcoming environment that encourages connection.
“We know some people will enter the program feeling quite vulnerable and isolated by their situation, so our model of support is really tailored to their individual needs while drawing on the collective experiences of others. Through this we can develop support structures and peer connections that provide lasting benefits.”
The first of three Newpin centres opens on 1 July at Uniting Communities’ northern hub in Smithfield, with centres servicing the southern and south-western Adelaide regions opening in coming months.
The Newpin program launch will be attended by Minister for Child Protection, Rachel Sanderson; Cathy Taylor, Chief Executive Department of Child Protection and Matthew Winefield, Economics Director, Department of Treasury & Finance.
Also in attendance – Claerwen Little, National Director UnitingCare Australia, Elyse Sainty, Director Impact Investing, Social Ventures Australia and Newpin social impact bond investors.
