Promote prevention and early intervention responses

While many of our statutory and core services respond to crisis and risk, we must look to other ways of supporting people to meet their needs earlier. These responses can also support people to be diverted away from our services or to reduce their need for our services over their lifetime.

Prevention programs and services build protective factors and prevent risk factors from emerging in the first place. Early intervention activities, programs and services support people and families who show signs of needing support or vulnerabilities that may escalate. Early and timely support can help ensure crisis-driven interventions are a last resort. These are well-recognised and evidence-based approaches that offer the best long-term outcomes.

We will promote prevention and early intervention responses (whether delivered by DCJ, an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, a non-government organisation, or another government agency) that help people and families to thrive from the earliest possible point of contact with DCJ. This will aim to reduce their likelihood of requiring our crisis services in the future and address the root causes of disadvantage and harmful behaviours early.