Big increase in funds for Chesterfield House youth services, Rockingham

1/8/96

Family and Children's Services Minister Cheryl Edwardes today announced a big increase in funding to Chesterfield House for youth services in Rockingham.

Mrs Edwardes said that the department would also increase annual funding to the organisation by more than $62,000 from $137,871 to $200,000.

She said the organisation provided vital services to support vulnerable young people in the Rockingham region who were at risk.

"Chesterfield House is a 24-hour crisis accommodation centre for young people," the Minister said.

"The young people may be at risk because of substance or alcohol abuse, violence, homelessness or family breakdown.  Chesterfield House provides them with a safe and secure environment during a crisis or its aftermath.

"Young people are the future of our State and it is important that we provide services which give them the best opportunities to develop."

Chesterfield House is funded under the joint Commonwealth/State Supported Accommodation Assistance Program which provides services for Western Australians in crisis.

Media contact:  Diana Russell Coote  421 7777