Innovative program helping reunite families

Last published on 30 Sep 2020 

Almost 400 children have been safely restored to their parents thanks to an innovative program designed to drive down the number of children in out-of-home care, which is funded by an Australian-first Social Benefit Bond (SBB).

Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward said the Newpin program has achieved unprecedented restoration results for vulnerable families across NSW.

“Newpin is designed to reunite families by providing long-term therapeutic support that builds parenting skills and addresses issues like mental health, isolation, social disadvantage or family violence,” Mr Ward said.

“Over the course of the seven-year pilot, more than 60 per cent of children returned to the care of their parents.

“A safe, loving and permanent home is critical for children. Our Government will continue to invest in evidence-based programs that create stability.”

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the program demonstrates what can be achieved when Government works with organisations that have the right expertise to deliver the best outcomes for communities.

“Newpin is creating stronger communities by helping some of our most vulnerable families and ensuring we are investing where it matters most,” Mr Perrottet said.

“It’s a unique financing model, but Newpin has demonstrated its effectiveness and is now able to continue independently without the need for a bond.”

The Newpin SBB is delivered in partnership with Uniting and Social Ventures Australia (SVA). Uniting has been awarded a new contract to keep delivering restoration services across the state.

Uniting NSW/ACT Director of Children, Youth and Families Sue Shilbury said Uniting is excited to enter the next phase of the Newpin program.

“The Uniting Newpin model is about creating a safe, judgement-free learning environment for parents and children to work through trauma, support each other, and build better behaviour and strong parent-child bonds,” Ms Shilbury said.

“Our talented, committed teams truly see it as a privilege to work alongside Newpin parents and children every day, to watch them grow stronger and ultimately achieve their restoration goals.”

Empowering Aboriginal families is an important focus of Newpin with 20 per cent of families referred to the program identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Social Ventures Australia (SVA) raised the initial upfront capital for the program and delivered the 2020 Newpin Social Benefit Bond Annual Investor Report.
SVA CEO Suzie Riddell said the program is an excellent example of collaboration between the Government and non-government sector.

“When governments, service providers and private investors work in concert to test new social innovations, carefully measure the outcomes, and then scale successful initiatives, we can change the lives of families for the better,” Ms Riddell said.

To view the report, visit Newpin Social Benfit Bond annual report