Family & Child Connect is a free local, community-based referral service that provides information and advice for families as well as putting families in touch with the right services that can help with issues such as managing children's behaviour; building better family relationships; stopping any violence at home; budgeting & managing money; alcohol, drug & gambling problems; and housing, health care or other community or government services.
Family & Child Connect may be able to help a family in a single phone call, or may take more time getting to know the family's situation to connect them with the right service including Intensive Family Supports services if required.
Anyone can contact Family & Child Connect including parents, grandparents, other family members and young people. Anyone contacting Family & Child Connect on behalf of a family will need the family's permission to do so (professionals from many Government agencies such as from Health, Education and Police do not require permission).
Each Family & Child Connect is also responsible for leading a Local Level Alliance of services who work with children and families in their area. Interested professionals and organisations can contact their local Family & Child Connect for details regarding participation.
The referred family must meet the following criteria:
Must have a child under 18 years old;
Without support, the child, young person & family are at risk of entering or re-entering the statutory child protection system;
The family would benefit from access to intensive & specialist support services; &
The family have multiple & complex needs.
