Keep Them Safe Family Referral Services

Three Family Referral Services will be piloted in Dubbo, Mt Druitt and Newcastle as part of the new unified approach towards child and family wellbeing under Keep Them Safe.

The new services will direct families in need or professionals working with families to Commonwealth, State and local government agencies and also to non-government organisations so they can receive appropriate help for their circumstances.

Families will be referred to a range of support services including case management, home visiting, intensive family support, quality child care, housing, parenting education, supported playgroup, drug and alcohol treatment programs, mental health services, youth support services and respite care.

The pilot sites will cover the surrounding areas during the first 12 months before referral services are implemented statewide. The pilot in Dubbo will have a specific focus on working with Aboriginal communities.

The NSW Government has committed $38 million over the next five years to the Family Referral Services project.

Organisations interested in providing the services can apply for funding via a tender process. For more information go to www.tenders.nsw.gov.au/health.