Vital support is a new addition for hundreds of families experiencing grief over a sudden child passing.
The state government has agreed to commit $800,000 over the next four years from 2022 to Kids SA and SIDS, to expand the counselling provided by the Red Tree Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation.
The funding has allowed the foundation to offer support to families of a child who has passed away from being a newborn right up to the age of 17, which is much improved from the previous limit of six years old.
Additions have included more counselling sessions, counselling hours increased and the ability to support wider family units, rather than just the immediate family.
Last year the Red Tree Foundation offered 2099 sessions of counselling, a 73% increase from the previous year.
The main objective of the Red Tree Foundation is to not let families struggle alone, it aims to connect with newly families experiencing grief within 72 hours of referral.
It offers a variety of ways to connect through home visits, phone calls, in office, telehealth and off site appointments.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Chris Picton said the unexpected loss of a child is unimaginable.
“It is incredibly important for families to be able to access counselling without delay and I’m proud that our government is helping more families receive the support they need,” Mr Picton said.
Red Tree Foundation CEO Liza Jankowski said the response to expanded services was phenomenal.
“We now offer free support to any parent who is affected by the sudden death of a child, from conception to 17 years of age,” Ms Jankowski said.
“The additional funding has allowed us to help even more families, ensuring that support is always available for those who seek it.”
