Support for separated families
CatholicCare works in partnership with other community organisations at the Geelong Family Relationship Centre (FRC) to support families experiencing relationship difficulties due to separation or divorce.
We provide information, mediation and referrals to help separated parents make decisions in the best interests of their children.
What services are available?
We offer general information and support for separating or separated families, including:
- child-focused information sessions, groups and seminars for separated parents
- information, advice and referrals for relationship issues during and after separation
- legal information from the Barwon Community Legal Service
- links to more support from MacKillop Family Services and the City of Greater Geelong
We also offer two specialist programs:
- Family Dispute Resolution
- Parenting Orders Program
What is Family Dispute Resolution?
Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) - also known as mediation - helps parents to resolve disputes during a separation or divorce. Resolving issues through mediation also reduces the conflict that children experience.
FDR Practitioners help parents and grandparents to communicate respectfully, resolve conflicts and discuss arrangements for their children, finances and property.
What is the Parenting Orders Program?
The Parenting Orders Program (POP) provides support, counselling and group education programs for separated families who have experienced high parental conflict over an extended period of time.
POP helps parents to manage disputes and increase cooperation and communication. The program is child-focused and gives children the opportunity to have a voice.
Eligibility
Our services at the Geelong FRC are for separating or separated families. They are also for grandparents wanting to discuss the time they spend with their grandchildren.
Families come to our office from Geelong and surrounding areas. We also provide outreach services to Colac by appointment.
Fees
Our Geelong FRC services are subsidised by the Commonwealth Government. The intake (assessment) session is free of charge and a means-tested co-contribution is required for subsequent sessions.
Concession cardholders, Health Care cardholders and students are exempt from paying fees.
Contact us
For more information on this service please contact the Geelong FRC:
T: 03 5246 5600
E: GeelongFRC@ccam.org.au
Other services
You might also be interested in some of the following services offered at CatholicCare: