FRC – Strong Families, Strong Communities

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 program in the following Local Government areas:

• Berri Barmera Council
• Renmark Paringa Council
• Rural City of Murray Bridge
• Mount Barker District Council
• District Council of Grant

Are you eligible?

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:

• Do you live in a service area?
• Do you have children living in the home and have some worries and concerns around their safety?
• Risk factors include family and domestic violence, alcohol and drug use, mental and physical health, housing stress (housing instability, suitability).
• Have you recently worked with an Intensive Family Service and require a step-down service response to maintain safety?

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:

• Infants at risk
• Parents younger than 23 years of age.
• Adolescents experiencing challenges with a history of, or current trauma.
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander families experiencing multiple and complex needs.

Who can refer?

• Self-referral
• Community services, including and not limited to childcare centres and children’s centres, education sites, paediatricians, aboriginal health services, financial counselling services
• Department of Child Protection
• Intensive family services providers
• SA Health
• South Australian Housing Authority
• Child and family safety networks
• Other services.