Protecting Our Kids

The NSW Government is committed to protecting children and young people, and key to this is providing families with the tools to succeed. The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ)  offers client-centred programs, tools and models that aim to protect children and young people.

If you are looking for information on Premier's Priority 'Protecting our kids' visit the 'Protecting our kids' website

Have a look at the following videos to see how families are being supported and empowered to stay together and achieve lasting change.

Family Group Conferencing

Family Group Conferencing (FGC) brings people in a child’s life together to talk, putting children at the centre of all plans and decisions. FGC allows families to build trust, communication and respectful relationships with each other and with their caseworker. With the help of an independent facilitator, a family group conference gives families an opportunity to create a family plan everyone has a say in. Read more about Family Group Conferencing.

Functional Family Therapy – Child Welfare

Functional Family Therapy – Child Welfare (FFT-CW®) is a home-based treatment model that works with families where there has been physical abuse and, or neglect of a child aged 0-17. The program offers a holistic practice framework tailored to each family’s individual needs and circumstances. FFT-CW® is transforming life outcomes of vulnerable children and families; building a loving and safe family and giving children the best foundation for a good life. Read more about Functional Family Therapy – Child Welfare.

SafeCare

SafeCare is an evidence-based, behavioural skills training program for parents of children aged 0-5 years that are at risk of neglect or abuse.  SafeCare builds on the strengths that parents already have and teaches them how they can create safe, nurturing home environments for their children. SafeCare is an in-home, one-on-one coaching model that teaches parents how they can create home environments where children can thrive. Read more about SafeCare.

FACS works with partners to deliver services that help families and children thrive. Together with our service providers like Wesley Mission and Samaritans, we work to make sure children and young people are protected from abuse and neglect and given the best foundation for life.

Multisystemic Therapy for Child Abuse and Neglect

Multisystemic Therapy for Child Abuse and Neglect (MST-CAN®) is an evidence-based program designed for children aged 6 – 17 and their families. The program works with all family members, not only children, improving children’s lives by working primarily with the parents and other systems (neighbourhood, community, school). MST-CAN® ensures that children are safe; it prevents abuse and neglect, reduces mental health difficulties and increases natural social supports for the family. Read more Multi-systemic Therapy for Child Abuse and Neglect.

Newpin

The Newpin Social Benefit Bond supports children in out-of-home care to be restored to their families, or prevents at-risk children from entering care. Newpin empowers families to break the cycle of child neglect and abuse and to provide safe, nurturing environments for children. Newpin is a long term, centre based intensive support program and includes a combination of parenting courses, peer support and attachment-based parent/child relationship building, targeted to the needs of the parent and the child. Read more about Newpin.

FACS is supported to deliver services that help families and children thrive. Together with our service providers like Uniting, we work to make sure children and young people are protected from abuse and neglect and given the best foundation for life.

Parental Responsibility Contracts

Parental Responsibility Contracts (PRCs) are formal agreements that help set and track goals to support parents to make positive changes. A PRC is a voluntary contract that outlines how parents, parents to be and other primary caregivers aim to develop their parenting skills. PRCs allow families to come up with their own plans themselves. They empower families to take control of their own goals, and take steps towards family restoration. Read more about Parental Responsibility Contracts.