New family counselling service for Kalgoorlie/Boulder

30/5/96

A new family counselling service in Kalgoorlie/Boulder will give support to families with dependent children to help them in their roles as parents.

Family and Children's Services Minister Cheryl Edwardes said today that the Golden Mile Community House was the successful applicant in the expression of interest process.

Mrs Edwardes said the Goldfields Family Counselling Service would be guaranteed $45,000 a year until 1998.

"It will help families with counselling and support and link them with appropriate services and resources," she said.

"Counselling and advice on child management and development, or other specific parenting skills, will be available for individuals and groups.

"The service will also help community workers develop skills and knowledge so they can provide programs to help parents manage their parenting roles effectively.

"Parents can develop knowledge and skills to prevent or deal with crises and be helped to cope positively with the challenges of daily living."

Mrs Edwardes said she believed the service marked the start of a good relationship which would benefit the community.

Media contact: Diana Russell Coote 421 7777