etting up a new Newpin centre from scratch brings with it a number of risks and challenges.
The first new centre to be established as a result of the Newpin SBB was the Wyong centre on the
Central Coast. Despite a suitable building having been identified early on, it took several months
until the building was ready for use.
Wyong Newpin staff started taking referrals in July 2014, but for a while had to run the program
out of community halls. Although this was great for building partnerships with local organisations
it was not ideal in terms of establishing the safe and homely environment that is characteristic of
a Newpin centre. Achieving results from any new centre takes time for a couple of reasons. First it
is necessary to work closely with FACS and the local NGO providers of out-of-home care services,
in order to ensure a steady flow of appropriate referrals. And secondly, families usually attend the
centre for approximately half a year prior to restorations taking place.