First portion of social investment funding to prioritise children
RNZ
The Social Investment Agency will prioritise social services working with children of families with complex needs for its first round of funding.
In May, the government
announced the $190 million Social Investment Fund
, as part of this year's Budget.
Former police commissioner Andrew Coster heads the agency.
Photo:
RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
The fund is governed by the Social Investment Agency, led by former police commissioner Andrew Coster.
Applications for the first round of funding will open on 25 August.
To qualify, organisations need to be working with one, or more of, the following:
"We know children who have had these experiences are more likely to experience poor outcomes and require significant social support throughout their lives," Coster said.
Three initiatives have already been supported by the fund, including an Autism NZ early screening and intervention scheme, an Emerge Aotearoa youth offending programme, and a Te Tihi o Ruahine wraparound support initiative for families in need.
The fund is expected to invest in at least 20 initiatives in its first year.
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