Funds to buy computer equipment for crisis support services

3/6/96

Dozens of crisis accommodation and support services will join the information technology revolution under a major initiative of the State Government.

Family and Children's Services Minister Cheryl Edwardes announced that she had approved spending of up to $600,000 for services to buy computer technology.

Each agency had been offered up to $5,000 to buy computer equipment and software to enable them to provide better services for vulnerable Western Australians.

The grants were available for all State agencies funded under the joint Commonwealth/State Supported Accommodation Assistance Program (SAAP), which provided services for young people in crisis, homeless men and women and women and children escaping domestic violence.

Mrs Edwardes said the new technology would enable each service to collect detailed data which would lead to better planning and co-ordination.

"This computer technology will help give us a clear picture of services available," she said.

"It will help measure and monitor what services have been provided and are available to meet the needs of each person.

"The new technology will also enable WA to be part of national data base to improve national planning.

"I am delighted at the response from agencies, many of which have contacted Family and Children's Services seeking to take advantage of the computer grant."

Media contact: Diana Russell Coote 421 7777