South Coast Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation

Child & Family Services

The key focus for our CF&S team is to provide holistic, culturally safe, child and family focused services to the Aboriginal communities of the Illawarra, Shoalhaven, Far South Coast and Goulburn areas. C&FS provides the whole continuum of
care for children, young people and their families including:

•    Early Intervention
•    Family Preservation
•    Out of Home Care
•    Family Connect & Support
•    Therapeutic Services
•    Psychology, Social Work and Mentor Support

We support Aboriginal Foster Care placements for children and young people aged 0-18 years. We have offices in Nowra, Batemans Bay, Goulburn and Bega. From these offices, we support Foster Care placements in the Shoalhaven, and down to the Victorian border.

Caseworkers, in partnership with our Foster Carer’s, provide support services to children who are unable to live safely with their birth families. We strive to place children and young people in a safe, well-functioning, stable foster home allowing them to develop to the best of their potential.

We work closely with birth parents and family members, and encourage participation in permanency decisions, with the goal of restoration. We also adhere to the Office of the Children’s Guardian strict guidelines.

Family Preservation

Our Family Preservation team's primary focus is to provide dedicated support to Aboriginal children, young people, and their families, with the ultimate goal of keeping families together. We are committed to building safe and loving family environments and delivering services that specifically benefit Aboriginal families.

Our team aims to identify and address the issues that are impacting each family, offering long-term support for a duration of up to two years. We aim to assist parents in creating a safe and nurturing environment, supporting the wellbeing and happiness of their children and families.

Within our Family Preservation program, we offer a range of services, including:

1. Development and Implementation of Family Action Plans: We collaborate with families to create personalized action plans that address their specific needs and goals.

2. Access to Childcare and Other Services: We assist families in accessing essential services such as childcare, healthcare, educational resources, and other support systems.

3. Access to Cultural Activities: We recognize the importance of cultural connection and provide opportunities for families to engage in meaningful cultural activities.

4. Transportation Support: We understand that transportation can be a barrier to accessing services, so we help families meet their transportation needs.

5. A Helping Hand: We offer a supportive hand during challenging times, providing practical assistance and guidance when families need it most.

6. Goal Achievement: We support families in setting and achieving their personal and parenting goals, empowering them to create positive change.

7. Parenting Programs: We provide access to parenting programs and resources that equip parents with effective strategies and skills for raising their children.

8. Mentoring: Our program includes mentorship opportunities, connecting families with experienced individuals who can offer guidance, support, and encouragement.

By working with our Family Preservation Program, you are taking a proactive step towards building a strong, resilient, and connected family unit. We are here to support you every step of the way.

If you would like to learn more about our program or discuss how we can assist your family, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are here to listen, support, and work together towards a brighter future for your family.

Targeted Earlier Intervention (TEI)

“Supporting our boori’s, families & community”

Our Targeted Earlier Intervention team (TEI) are dedicated to providing professional and culturally sensitive services to Aboriginal families. Our mission is to create a safer and more nurturing environment within our community, enabling families to lead happier and healthier lives. We approach our work with families using a strength-based approach, recognising the unique strengths and networks within each family.

We offer support to a range of family situations, including families with new babies, first-time parents, teenage parents, families with older children, and families seeking support on their journey to reach their fullest potential.

As part of our program, we provide valuable information on early childhood services and assist families during the antenatal period to ensure proper planning and preparation for the birth of their child.

Here's how we can support you and your family:

1. Providing Information and Access to Early Childhood Services: We offer guidance and information on available early childhood services, ensuring families have access to the resources they need for their child's development.

2. Individual Support for Parenting Skills: We provide personalized support for parents and caregivers, helping them enhance their parenting skills and confidence.

3. Advocacy and Referrals: We advocate for families and make referrals to other services that may be needed, such as health professionals, child care, and housing.

4. Setting Achievable Goals: We work closely with parents and caregivers on a one-to-one basis, assisting them in identifying their needs and setting realistic goals that can be achieved step by step.

5. Linking Families to Groups and Activities: We connect families to relevant groups, workshops, and activities focused on education, social skills, wellness, health, hygiene, and safety. Additionally, we link parents and caregivers to programs that enhance their knowledge, skills, confidence, and self-esteem, both as parents and individuals.

By engaging with our Targeted Earlier Intervention Program, you are taking an important step towards building a stronger and more resilient family unit. We are here to provide the support, guidance, and resources needed for your family's success.

If you would like to learn more about our program or discuss how we can assist your family, please reach out to us. We are here to listen, support, and work together towards creating a brighter future for you and your loved ones.

PSYCHOLOGISTS, SOCIAL WORKERS & MENTORS

Our dedicated professionals provide comprehensive support to our clients, specifically children and young people, in various impactful ways. We offer a wide range of services designed to address their unique needs, including:

1. Biopsychosocial Assessments and Support: We conduct thorough assessments that consider the biological, psychological, and social factors influencing the wellbeing of our clients. Based on these assessments, we provide targeted support and interventions.

2. Carer Assessment and Training: We assess the needs of carers and provide tailored training to enhance their skills and knowledge in providing quality care to children and young people.

3. Individual Counselling and Support: We offer individual counseling and support for mental health disorders and symptoms, such as adjustment issues, anxiety, grief and loss, depression, trauma, or parenting a child with mental health symptoms.

4. Education Support: We provide educational support, including cognitive and academic achievement assessments, assessment of classroom behavior, school readiness assessments, and individualized learning support plans.

5. Facilitating Carer Training Meetings: We facilitate training meetings to equip carers with the necessary tools and knowledge to meet the unique needs of the children and young people in their care.

6. Critical Case Reviews and Specialist Recommendations: We conduct critical case reviews and provide specialised recommendations to ensure the best possible outcomes for our clients.

7. Mental Health Assessments, Supports, and Referrals: We conduct mental health assessments, offer ongoing support, and make referrals to appropriate mental health services when needed.

8. Behavior Assessment and Individual Behavior Support Plans: We conduct behavior assessments and develop personalised plans to address challenging behaviors and promote positive change.

9. Psychological Assessment and Report: We conduct comprehensive psychological assessments and provide detailed reports to guide intervention strategies and treatment planning.

10. Individual Mentoring for Children and Young People: Our dedicated mentors provide one-on-one support and guidance to children and young people, helping them navigate challenges and develop valuable life skills.

11. Individual Support for Participants with Disabilities and Their Carers: We offer individualised support to participants with disabilities and their carers, ensuring their specific needs are met with empathy and professionalism.