The Allan Labor Government is targeting family violence and homelessness through a record investment in early intervention programs.

The Victorian Budget 2024/25 invests $1.1 billion in 28 early intervention programs through the Government’s Early Intervention Investment Framework (EIIF), building on $2.7 billion of funding over the past four years.

This investment will fund the expansion of Sacred Heart Mission’s highly successful Journey to Social Inclusion (J2SI) – one of Victoria’s most effective programs targeting chronic homelessness.

J2SI provides three years of extensive support to help vulnerable Victorians improve their mental health, resolve substance abuse issues, and make strong community connections so they can end their homelessness for good.

The expanded J2SI program will improve lives and deliver estimated benefits of up to $80 million in avoided costs over the next decade through reduced hospital admissions, crisis accommodation and mental health services.

Investment in early intervention programs means less demand on hospitals, prisons and homelessness and family violence services, with savings from EIIF reinvested in future EIIF programs.

The EIIF investment in the Victorian Budget 2024/25 includes $167.5 million to address family violence, reducing pressure on services, as well as $196.9 million for homelessness prevention.