< Family Support and Domestic Violence
Safe and Strong Families Program – Family Support Services in Bathurst LGA
Safe and Strong Families supports Aboriginal children, young people, families and communities to stay safe, connected and strong.
From community connection activities through to intensive case management, we walk alongside families to build the safety they need to thrive.
Who this program is for
Safe and Strong Families is available to:
- Aboriginal children, young people, families and communities.
- Children aged 0 to 5 years, in line with the First 2000 Days framework.
- Children and young people at risk of disengagement from school, family or community.
- Young parents facing known vulnerabilities or hardships.
- Families experiencing, or at risk of, domestic and family violence.
CONTACT:
Safe and Strong Families Program – Family Support Services in Bathurst LGA
Phone: (02) 6361 4742
Email: reception@olalc.com.au
What we offer
Community connections: Building trust, raising awareness of community issues and establishing referral pathways through education and skills training, information, advice and referral, and Indigenous community engagement.
Social participation: Opportunities for families to connect, participate and access information, including Coffee Mornings and Mum and Child playgroup sessions.
Community support: Strengthening community capacity and wellbeing through peer support, assistance with pathways to employment, and referrals to appropriate services beyond our scope.
Case managements and family capacity building: For families with identified vulnerabilities, delivered through comprehensive intake, family capacity building plans, home visits, parenting courses, supported playgroup, and family packs.
Services we provide
- Facilitation of Community Engagement and Connection
- Operating the Community Centre as an accessible Hub
- Delivering Advocacy, Healing and Peer Support
- Delivering Intensive Specialist Support
- Providing Targeted Case Management and Family Capacity Building
- Establishing and maintaining Strong Referral Pathways
- Reporting of Data Collection
- Integrating with OLALC’s greater service ecosystem.
How we work with families
- Use an intake and assessment process to identify each family’s strengths, needs and risks
- Develop family driven capacity building plans that address safety, health, culture, education, housing, and other goals
- Deliver home visits and parenting support tailored to each family’s needs
- Offer peer support and mentoring to build confidence and resilience
- Work intensively with 10 to 20 families with complex needs each year
Our broader service delivery includes facilitating community engagement and connection, operating the Community Centre as an accessible hub, advocacy, healing and peer support, providing intensive specialist support and targeted case management, establishing strong referral pathways, and integrating with OLALC’s wider service ecosystem.
What families can expect
- Reduced risk of entry into the child protection system
- Increased safety and education around family and domestic violence
- Increased participation in community events
- A stronger sense of belonging to community
- Increased self-determination, as reported by clients
- Improved personal wellbeing for clients and children
- Increased school attendance and achievement
- Sustained participation over time
How to access support
A formal referral form for the Safe and Strong Families program is available by emailing cafsupport@olalc.com.au. Referrals are also welcome at any time, through a phone call or conversation with any of our key stakeholders.
