The consultation on the Families and Children Activity review examines how children, youth, and parenting programs can be more inclusive and responsive to diverse family structures, particularly for LGBTIQ+ parents and carers. It seeks input on barriers to accessing support services and potential policy and funding changes to ensure equitable, culturally safe, and effective programs.

LHA’s submission highlights the challenges LGBTIQ+ parents face, including discrimination and exclusion from mainstream parenting programs, and advocates for increased funding for LGBTIQ+ community-controlled organisations like Rainbow Families. It calls for mandatory cultural safety training for service providers, co-design with LGBTIQ+ communities, and the integration of inclusive policies and practices to ensure all families can access safe and affirming support.

You can read the full submission here.