New funding opportunity available for Power to Kids program

/RCLDS/



The Residential Care Learning and Development Strategy (RCLDS) is now offering a scholarship opportunity for implementing the Power to Kids in Out of Home Care program. RCLDS is offering to fund up to 80% of an organisation's implementation of the Power to Kids program, up to a maximum of $44,000.


RCLDS aims to improve outcomes for children and young people living in residential care by providing fully funded training to Victorian residential care workers. Preventing child sexual exploitation has been highlighted by RCLDS as a priority learning area for residential care workers in Victoria.


The Power to Kids program

Power to Kids is a professional learning program that upskills residential care professionals to effectively prevent, identify and respond to concerns related to child sexual exploitation, harmful sexual behaviours and dating violence. Power to Kids was referenced in the Commission for Children and Young People’s Out of Sight Report (2021) as an example of best-practice and was a key recommendation for state-wide implementation. The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing have broadly endorsed and accepted the recommendations from this report.


The funding opportunity

RCLDS is offering to fund up to 80% of an organisation's implementation costs from the Power to Kids program, up to a maximum of $44,000 (excl GST). The funding will support an organisation to invest in the comprehensive training of staff and leadership and ensure sustainable implementation planning.


Is my organisation eligible?

All Victorian residential care providers are welcome to express interest. Preference will be given to ACCOs and regional providers. For organisations with a national presence, funding can only be used for staff based in Victoria. You must be ready to commence the program in the FY 2024-25 financial year.


How to apply

  • Please familiarise yourself with the full scholarship details and application process here.
  • Express your interest by completing the application form by 30 October.
  • Shortlisted organisations must nominate representatives including at least one representative from senior leadership (with decision-making and budget responsibilities) to attend a 30-minute consultation to discuss your needs, program costs and implementation options. Meetings will occur between October and mid-November.
  • The Power to Kids team and RCLDS will meet to assess all applications. Assessment criteria will include commitment, readiness, sustainability, need, reach and impact.
  • The successful recipient of the scholarship will be selected and announced by the end of November. Any unsuccessful organisations will be automatically reconsidered in the case of further funding.

    • Please contact us if you have any questions about the opportunity or application process.

    Complete application form