When a family experiences a range of issues such as family breakdown, mental health issues, family violence and drug use, this can have significant long-term effects on parents, children and future generations.
In the Loddon Shire region (Bendigo and surrounds), our Family Services outreach program is supporting parents and vulnerable children aged 0-17 years to overcome the challenges they face, with a focus on helping parents to enhance their children’s development.
Family Services provides advocacy, education and referrals to other essential services, taking a wholistic view of the family’s needs and working towards goals to improve their wellbeing.
“I work with families and children providing support and education on a range of issues such as family breakdown, environmental neglect, family violence, homelessness, drug use, school disengagement, social isolation, and mental health issues,” says Jess Dawson, Family Services practitioner.
Jess has worked in the Family Services program for the last five years, supporting vulnerable families in need.
“Much of my day is spent working with families in their homes, visiting children in their schools, liaising with other services, and attending care team meetings and professional’s meetings with the Department of Families Fairness and Housing.”
Family Services also provides mediation around family issues, help for parents and carers to address their children’s educational needs, and specific supports that are relevant for vulnerable families.
“Sometimes I link vulnerable children into various camps during school holidays to give them time to be free from the stress of family life. On occasion I’ll also transport children to health and wellbeing appointments that they would otherwise be unable to attend, due to barriers such as no transport or parent’s mental health,” says Jess.
The Family Services program is making a real difference in the life of vulnerable families, and we see this not only through their progress, but also in the feedback they provide to our team.
“You truly go above and beyond for us, I thank you for that.” – S
“I see the difference in the girls, I really appreciate what you do for them.” – N
“Thank you, that info you gave me really helped, I see many of these habits in [my kids]. I definitely learned a few areas that I can improve on and I’m starting to recognise some triggers for the children. It also reassured me that I’m already doing the right things in some areas.” - B
Our Family Services program in the Loddon Shire takes referrals from Maternal Child Health Nurses, kindergartens, schools, the Victorian Department of Families Fairness and Housing (DFFH), Orange Door, as well as self-referrals.
To refer a family living in the Loddon Shire area, contact our Bendigo office on (03) 5438 1300
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