A project that offers support for young indigenous mothers will soon be launched in the west.
The Cradle to Kinder program will be run by the Werribee-based Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA).
Werribee MP Tim Pallas has announced more than $789,900 in funding for the initiative.
VACCA western region senior program manager Helena Gonebale said Cradle to Kinder would be available to residents of Wyndham, Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong.
Ms Gonebale said the program would offer a support service for vulnerable mothers aged 25 and under, plus their partners and families.
She said the program would include helping young mothers to learn about caring for children, accessing education and connecting to cultural groups and programs.
Ms Gonebale said Cradle to Kinder had been run in other parts of Victoria, where it had been successful in reducing the number of child protection interventions in indigenous families.
“It’s really positive and exciting to be able to offer this program in the west,” she said.
Ms Gonebale said women would be able to refer themselves to the program, which has been funded for the rest of this year and next year.
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