The Family Relationships Online website www.familyrelationships.gov.au offers access to a range of services and resources, as well as information to help families understand how to resolve disputes without going to a family law court.
The website also includes information about Family Relationship Centres, family mediation, and other specialist services for families and children.
Publications and factsheets on family law services, services for children and parenting after separation are available on the website. These are also provided in a number of other community languages.
View all Communities and Children Services
Communities for Children’s community partners aim to improve the health and well-being of families and the development of young children, from before birth through to age 12 years. They aim to create strong child-friendly communities that understand the importance of children and apply this capacity to maximise the health, well-being and early development of young children at the local level. Events and workshops are on the ac.care CfC Murraylands Facebook page.
Our valued community partners are:
Australian and International evidence confirms that the early years of a child’s life are a critical time in their development and the foundations for learning, behaviour and health.
Communities for Children takes an early intervention approach that supports families to improve parenting skills and ensure the health and wellbeing of children.
Who will benefit?
In general, Communities for Children focuses on improving early childhood development and wellbeing of children from birth to 12 years and may include children up to 18 years.
What is the role of ac.care?
We build on local strengths to meet the needs of individual communities and to create capability within local service systems, using strong evidence of what works in early intervention and prevention.
As the facilitating partner, we collaborate with other organisations to provide a holistic service system for children and families.
How is the service delivered?
We fund other organisations (known as community partners) to provide services targeted to their community as identified by community consultation and a local committee.
Services include parenting support, play-groups, evidence-based programs for students, group peer support, case management, home visiting, community events and life skills courses.
What programs are available?
Current programs available across Centacare, the Tailem Bend Community Centre and other partners include:
Fees
All Communities for Children activities and programs are FREE
Referrals
Not required
Contact
ac.care Murray Bridge
8531 4900 or email communitiesforchildren@accare.org.au
The CCS offers supervised visits and change-overs for children of separated families in a safe, neutral, caring and supportive environment. Children can have supervised visits with their parent that they do not live with, or with significant others. ac.care workers also facilitate change overs between parents.
During both supervisions and change-overs parents do not have contact with one another and, therefore, children aren’t exposed to potential conflict, and parents are protected.
The aim of the service is to support families to move to self managed arrangements. We offer a flexible approach to service delivery including partial supervision and off-site visits. We develop case plans with clients to support them to move to self managed arrangements.
Getting Started
Assessment interviews will take place with both parents separately, at least one week prior to the commencement of service use. A familiarisation visit for the child/children and parents will be arranged before service use commences. This involves meeting workers and being shown around the facilities to ensure children and parents feel comfortable before their first session.
We will do our best to follow court ordered times, but this may not always be possible. Copies of all relevant Parenting Orders and Intervention Orders are to be provided to the Centre at the first opportunity.
Opening Hours
The service provides supervisions and change overs on Friday afternoons and weekends.
Staff are available for support and information Monday-Friday at the Mount Gambier Family Relationship Centre.
ac.care does not operate on Good Friday and Christmas Day. Clients will need to make alternative arrangements on these days.
The Children’s Contact Service is funded by the Department of Social Services.
As of July 2023, ac.care no longer charges fees for this service, which includes inquiry, intake and assessment, information and support services, as well as supervisions and change-overs.
View all Family Relationships Centre Services
ac.care supports families and relationships of any makeup and at any stage – helping new parents adjust, providing counselling and workshops to help sustain and improve relationships with children, partners and extended family; and assisting parents and children with positive connections after separation.
The Family Relationships Online website www.familyrelationships.gov.au offers access to a range of services and resources, as well as information to help families understand how to resolve disputes without going to a family law court.
The website also includes information about Family Relationship Centres, family mediation, and other specialist services for families and children.
Publications and factsheets on family law services, services for children and parenting after separation are available on the website. These are also provided in a number of other community languages.
Mount Gambier Family Relationship Centre
Our service covers a range of issues including:
Contact us on (08) 8721 3500 or care@accare.org.au
John’s StoryJohn contacted the Family Relationship Centre for help. His ex-partner Kylie wouldn’t let him see their 8 year old child Sam, because John did not have a suitable place to live.John and Kylie agreed to work on this issue. First they attended the Parenting After Separation Workshop. It was here that Kylie had her “aha” moment and came to the realisation that it was very important for Sam to develop a relationship with his Dad.At the follow-up Family Dispute Resolution session they developed a plan to find a suitable place where John and Sam could spend time together. John and Kylie now have open lines of communication, are able to talk regularly and arrange for John to spend regular time with Sam. John was even working with ac.care’s accommodation services on finding appropriate housing.* Note all names changed to protect clients’ privacy
Runaway Success 14 year old Crystal had run away in a state of distress because of unbearable stress and endless arguments with her parents. She returned home but was thinking of running again. Her Mum too was distressed and deeply concerned about her daughter’s wellbeing. We addressed parenting strategies with her Mum, as well as practicing some of the tried and true standards: love, patience and consistency. The focus then switched to Crystal, encouraging her to contemplate the positive contributions she brought to the family. Crystal and her parents developed a refreshingly new view of their love and support for each other. Crystal’s Mum also embraced the opportunity for change and together she and her daughter agreed to regular outings, shopping, going for a walk in the evening or just an occasional catch up. The disruptive spirit lifted like a veil. Our work with the family was over three weeks from referral to amicable family agreement. Seven months on and family members are enjoying each others company and most importantly Crystal has no thoughts of running away. *Note all names changed to protect clients’ privacy
Magic Bullet On rare occasions it is the magic bullet question that can turn things around. Our youth worker and guitar virtuoso Mark was asked to speak to Josh in Year 9 about his highly disruptive behaviour in class. As an introduction Mark sent Josh a curved ball and asked, “Josh, why do you think I’m here?” Josh, caught a little on the back foot said he thought Mark was there to talk to him about unacceptable behaviour. Josh then disclosed that he hated being in trouble all the time and was quite ready to accept change. As the conversation continued Josh developed some of his own strategies. Subsequently Josh was able to make changes which turned out to be most effective. Today he is one of the top students in his year and enjoying the newly acquired status. *Note all names changed to protect clients’ privacy
This targeted early intervention response to families experiencing risks to child safety is offered using a holistic and trauma-informed case management approach.
Strong Families, Strong Communities aims to empower families and promote activities and support that diverts families from entering statutory child protection services.
Keeping children safe in the home, community and Culture
ac.care delivers this new program in the following Local Government areas:
There are some criteria that determine if a family is eligible, and a short referral access form can determine if your family will fit the program. Some considerations are:
Based on population data and research and as part of the Child Family Support Services Reform priority is given to certain population groups that have evidenced a higher need for support services and early intervention. These are:
ac.care is a dynamic organisation servicing the South Australian communities the Limestone Coast, Murraylands, Riverland, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula.
Our mission is for all country people to have a safe home, enough money to live on and strong, positive relationships.
Please find our service locations here or use our contact form to request a service.
