Colac (03) 5232 5100
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Family Support

The Family Support Program is open to any families with children and young people aged 0-17 years in the Colac Otway and Corangamite Shires.

The team provides case management, support, counselling and help with linking families to other services.

What we do

The program offers support to families with children 0-17 years who may be experiencing difficulties or are vulnerable. The service is child-centred, family-focussed and provides a flexible, culturally respectful and supportive service that builds on the strengths of parents for the benefit of the whole family. The family, together with the Family Support Worker sets goals to work towards outcomes that are in the best interest of the children and young people in the family.

The Family Support Program can involve:

  • Strengthening parenting capacity;
  • Support family connections to the community;
  • Give parents the skills to maintain positive relationships;
  • Provide a responsive and flexible service tailored to meet family’s needs;
  • Network with other community services also linked with the family.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)

How long does the program run?
Support can be short or long term at varying levels of intensity.

How much does it cost?
The Family Support Program is free.

What are the benefits?
Parenting can be challenging, and family life is not always straight forward. Families may benefit from support when experiencing stress or difficult times. The Family Support Program aims to provide support that strengthens families, assisting with resources and strategies that improve family functioning.

Who can use this service?

Parents or carers of children pre-birth up to 17 years old, including foster carers, kinship carer in the Colac / Corangamite Shires.

Support is provided in these settings:

  • School
  • Home
  • Colac Area Health
  • Other community settings

What if I have a hearing or sight impairment?

CAH team will support you to access the relevant resources.

 

What if English is not my first language?

Information in other languages | The Orange Door

Interpreters can be accessed for all languages

 

Contact: 

Family Support
03 5232 5500

 

Hours: 

Monday to Friday
8.30 am to 5.00 pm

 

Also see: 

 

How to access this service
All referrals are generally through Access Point–Barwon Safety and Support Hub (The Orange Door).

They will identify whether the Family Support Program is appropriate for the family and will prioritise access on a case by case basis.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families may access support directly by calling Family Support on 5232 5500.