Berry Street says early intervention is key to support vulnerable children and struggling families and avoid the spike which could overwhelm the out of home care system that is already under intense pressure.

"Increased social isolation and stress, poorer mental health, loss of employment and lack of access to social supports are current, and will likely remain ongoing, outcomes of the pandemic and the measures taken to limit the spread of the virus," said authors from Social Venture Australia in a new report Keeping Families Together Through COVID-19: The strengthened case for early intervention.

"These, and other impacts of COVID-19 are known risk factors of child abuse and neglect. There are strong indicators that COVID-19 has increased many of the risk factors and reduced the protective factors that keep families together and children safe."

The stresses and lockdown measures could also exacerbate existing behavioural issues among some children, and increase the demands of caring for children with a disability or complex needs.

The independent report, commissioned by Berry Street with the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare, found investment in early intervention programs could help families before issues escalate and result in family breakdown, separation and children entering out-of-home care.

IN OTHER NEWS

To make a difference the early intervention programs would need to improve employment and education engagement, health and wellbeing, social participation and community connectedness and reduce conditions leading to homelessness, chronic health problems and engagement with the justice system.

"The result is significant cost savings to the child protection and out-of-home care systems and, most importantly, keeping families safely together," the analysis found.

Have you signed up to The Courier's variety of news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.

.