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In December 2024, The Salvation Army provided a response to the Department of Social Services (DSS) Questionnaire on Foundational Supports for children with developmental delay or disability, and their families, carers and kin.

The Salvation Army’s response was informed by the experience and expertise of our Communities for Children services, and we highlight their Family Zone and Child Health Pathways programs.

The Salvation Army’s response included the following key recommendations:

• Supports for children with developmental differences and their families should be place-based and integrated.
• Services and supports must be embedded within spaces where children and families gather, consider the whole child within their extended system of support and remove barriers and processes that gatekeep.
• Allied health services must be widely available.
• Increase investment in coordination and support for families to navigate complex systems.
• Integration between services can be bolstered by investing in partnerships, embedded specialist services and upskilling frontline staff.

• Learn more about the Inquiry
• Read The Salvation Army Submission