Anglicare Victoria Rapid Response

Anglicare Victoria's Rapid Response program was a finalist in the 2018 HESTA Community Sector Awards.

An Australia-first program, Rapid Response is a ground-breaking program developed in response to the growing number of children entering the out-of-home care system each year.  

Rapid Response prevents children going into out-of-home care by supporting families during times of crisis, working intensively with parents over four weeks to bring safety, stability and routine to a home.

When families are in crisis, Rapid Response can be the difference between children being removed by the state or staying safely at home. The program is showing great results in keeping families together and kids safe and has the potential to stem the increasing demand for out-of-home care across Australia. Studies have shown that children who remain in out-of-home care have poor mental health and employment outcomes and are also more likely to engage in substance abuse and criminal activity. Research shows that the early intervention program has increased the safety of children remaining at home, improved family functioning with children continuing to live with their families post-intervention, and has prevented children from entering out-of-home care.

Due to the success of the program, Anglicare Victoria has been invited to become a formal part of the Department of Health and Human Services South Initiative.

CEO Paul McDonald said Anglicare Victoria is thrilled to have the Rapid Response Program recognised as a finalist in the 2018 HESTA Community Sector Awards.

If they win, Anglicare Victoria plan on using the $10,000 prize money to contribute to a partnership with a University to further evaluate Rapid Response.