The Multi-Agency Investigation Support Team’s service for young sex abuse victims gets $4.2m funding boost

A service that provides a wraparound approach to helping children and young people who have been sexually abused has been given $4.2 million in funding, with almost 1000 youth expected to use the service this financial year. The Multi-Agency Investigation Support Team, which is also funded by Telethon and the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, incorporates the WA Police child abuse squad, child and family advocates and therapeutic support services. It was established in 2010 by Parkerville Children and Youth Care to deliver trauma-informed support for victims and survivors of intrafamilial and extrafamilial child sexual abuse from 0-18 years. The service supported 668 children last financial year. Demand is rising, with up to 900 children expected to go through the doors in 2025-26 across three sites in Midland, Armadale and Rockingham. That represents almost 75 per cent of all WA children who disclose sexual abuse. The co-location of police in the team means victims only need to be interviewed once in a child-friendly setting. Child Protection Minister Jessica Stojkovski said the service provided essential support for families during a “very challenging and difficult time”. “Importantly for us, and those child survivors, MIST provides support every step of the way from the point of their disclosure through to the criminal justice for victim survivors and their families.”