Helping migrant and refugee families understand NSW child protection

Community Services offers information sessions for migrant and refugee communities that can be requested through your local Community Services Centre.

The sessions provide accurate information to help new arrivals better understand child abuse and neglect under NSW law and Community Services’ role.

“Migrant and refugee families face many challenges when settling in Australia, including often limited understanding of child protection and what parenting practices are considered appropriate in Australia,” says Echo Morgan, Manager Community Services Multicultural Services Unit.

“These information sessions help increase families’ awareness of child abuse and are effective for prevention and early intervention.”

The sessions aim to reduce contact with the child protection system and encourage engagement with Community Services if this is required to protect children and support families. “A few years ago, we even had an African participant say, ‘We can all love DoCS now,’” adds Echo.

Community Services ran 55 sessions last year, with emphasis on recently arrived communities (Afghan, Bhutanese, Sri Lankan, African, Arabic-speaking) and groups with many new arrivals (eg Chinese).

Session details: 75-95 minutes; run by experienced Community Services senior caseworkers and multicultural caseworkers.

Requesting a session: Contact your local Community Services Centre. Please give at least four weeks’ notice.

Further information: Fatma Mohamed, Community Services Multicultural Services Unit, 02 9716 2245.