State Member for Morayfield, Mark Ryan MP, is urging local organisations to apply for new funding to support young children affected by domestic and family violence.

Mr Ryan said organisations providing domestic and family violence services could apply for grants of up to $50,000 for additional one-off support benefitting young children.

“This project is part of the government’s response to the report of the Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence, Not now, Not Ever: Putting an End to Domestic and Family Violence in Queensland,” he said.

“Domestic violence can be devastating on a young child and its impacts can last a lifetime.

“We know that appropriate early intervention can avoid or minimse the impact on children.”

Mr Ryan said the grants would help organisations to access additional resources to enhance the support they already provide to children.

“Programs should focus on improving the learning, social and emotional development outcomes for affected children and enrich and support healthy family relationships,” he said.

“Services may also use the funding to help families access high quality early childhood education and care services for vulnerable children.”

Education Minister, Hon Kate Jones MP, said a new respectful relationships curriculum was also being rolled out in Queensland schools.

“This program aims to clearly convey the message to Queenslanders, from a young age, that domestic and family violence is never acceptable, and that everyone has a responsibility to act,” Ms Jones said.

“If we are going to bring about real cultural and attitudinal change on domestic and family violence, we have to start with our young people.”

Mr Ryan said organisations had until 4 April 2016 to apply for funding under the Support for Young Children Affected by Domestic and Family Violence Project.

For more information, visit: http://deta.qld.gov.au/earlychildhood/service/grants/index.html