Funds not enough

By Melissa Grant
CONNECTIONS Child, Youth and Family Services will receive funding of up to $85,000 to help continue its work with young people in Cardinia.
However, the organisation says the money is not enough to keep up with demand.
The Federal Government announced on Tuesday that the local organisation would share in a further $85 million in Reconnect and YouthLinx funding, programs which aim to support young people and their families.
Connections outer south director Kimberley Flanagan said her organisation was excited to receive the funding.
“It’s a fantastic program that supports young people and youth activities,” she said.
Ms Flanagan said Cardinia Connections would use the funding to develop programs for marginalised young people, including school activities, youth outreach and family support services.
However, Ms Flanagan said the $85,000 was no longer enough.
“We are disappointed that the Federal Government still hasn’t developed any mechanism for funding services which keeps pace with inflation, such as wages growth, which means that the real value of the funding dwindles each year,” she said.
“The $85,000 spent last year isn’t going to go as far this year.”
McMillan MP Russell Broadbent said the funding recognised the efforts and the effectiveness of Connections and the dedication of people who worked there.
“Two-thirds of young people reported an improved relationship with their family at the end of their support period with Reconnect and YouthLinx,” he said.