Asking for support can feel like a big step, especially when you are not sure what kind of help you need or what will happen next.
At CRCS, our Family Foundations team works with parents, carers and families in a way that is respectful, practical and focused on your family’s needs. You do not need to have everything worked out before you contact us. You can simply tell us what is happening, and we can talk with you about what support may be helpful.
Below, we explain what usually happens when you contact CRCS for family support, what support can look like and the kinds of things families often talk to us about.
What happens when families contact CRCS for support?
At the beginning, a friendly intake worker will gather some of your details so that one of our experienced Child and Family Practitioners with the Family Foundations team can get in touch.
This practitioner will contact you to discuss your reasons for reaching out and to arrange a meeting. This meeting is an opportunity for you to get to know us better, and for us to learn how we can support you best.
The Family Foundations Team are here to listen to you and support you. Your voice matters, and we will work with you in a way that respects your family, your choices and your goals.
We take your lead and focus on the strengths of you and your family. We can help you work out what is happening, what is already working and what small steps may help.
Families can contact us about many different things. This may include parenting, family relationships, child development, routines, sleep, separation, big feelings, behaviour, stress at home or feeling unsure about what to try next.
No. You do not need to know exactly what support you need before contacting us. You can tell us what is happening for your family, and we can talk with you about what support may be helpful.
Support can look different for each family. It may be a one-off conversation, practical parenting strategies, referrals to other services or ongoing sessions with a Child and Family Practitioner.
Some families may be able to access up to 12 – 18 free sessions, depending on their needs and the support available.
If another service may be helpful, we can help connect you. This will always be done with you, in collaboration with you and with your permission.
No. Family support is not means tested. This means your income, assets or financial situation do not decide whether you can ask for support.
Yes. Families can still contact us if English is not their first language.
Please let us know if you need help with language or communication. We can talk with you about what support may be available, including interpreter or translation support where possible.
It is completely okay to reach out. Many families need support at different times, and asking for help does not mean you are doing anything wrong.
You do not have to have everything worked out before you contact us. We are here to listen, talk things through and help you take the next step.
Contact CRCS for family support
If you are a parent or carer and would like to talk to someone about family support, please contact CRCS.
You can reach out with a question, ask what support may be available or talk to us about what is happening for your family. We will listen and help you work out the next step.
Contact us
Phone: 02 6264 0200
Email: familyfoundations@crcs.com.au
Visit the Family Foundations web page.
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