The Family Strengthening Service supports parents/carers to access a range of services to give them the confidence and skills necessary to raise healthy, happy children. It is available for families with infants and children 0 to 12 years old, families expecting a baby and also provides support for families whose children are not in their care.
MacKillop provides the program to families living in the rural NSW regions of:
- Brewarrina (including Barwon 4 and West Brewarrina Reserves)
- Coonamble (including Coonamble and Quambone)
- Walgett (including Gingie and Namoi Reserves)
The Family Strengthening Service offers:
- Weekly supported playgroups which provide opportunities for parents to share parenting experiences and for children to socialise, play and learn in a structured and positive setting
- Home visits and support for parents
- Group work
- Access to appropriate services to improve the outcomes and well-being of children
- Community skill building through projects that strengthen the connections between community members and local services.
This program is funded by Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ).
How to access this service
The Family Strengthening Service is available free to families:
- With children 0-12 years
- Located in the regions listed above
- Families, parents or carers expecting a baby or adopting a child
- Parents or carers who do not have their dependants (children 0 to 8 years old) in their care
- from self-referrals, contacting us directly or referred by community groups or agencies.
