National Families Week begins today. To celebrate the vital role that families play in the community, we will be highlighting some of the many ways Centacare supports families to thrive. Today we look at our Children’s Services Unit which celebrates the diversity in community and believes in providing families with opportunities.
Each year, Centacare’s Children’s Services Unit (CSU) provides support to about 340 families and 600 children across metropolitan Adelaide, the Murraylands, Mount Gambier, and the Riverland.
We aim to build parenting capacity that is sustained long-term through the provision of family supports, therapeutic interventions, the development of parenting and relationship skills and connection to community resources.
We work with families to identify and harness their strengths, build confidence and address challenges. These may include drug and alcohol misuse, mental health, domestic violence, homelessness, poverty, and abuse and neglect.
Our multidisciplinary teams consist of social workers, nurses, counsellors, therapists, administration, management and leadership.
“We work with vulnerable families to create sustained change; even the most marginal family deserves supports,’’ says Leanne Haddad, Executive Manager.
“The rewards are invaluable when families can stay together in a safe and supported environment.’’
We offer a number of programs for families, children and young people, from parenting groups, to home visiting programs, family support services, targeted intervention, specialist dad support, family preservation, reunification programs and specialist foster care services.
Staff work with the families to identify risks and target support to mitigate challenges impacting their capacity to parent.
“Therapy is provided alongside in-home supports to families,’’ Leanne says. “This is a crucial element that can lead to sustained change. The therapy addresses the underlying factors that often cause the at-risk behaviours.’’
How we can support you
Click on the links to explore our CSU programs and services:
- Northern family support services consists of three programs: Kids in Focus, Dads Business and Making Moments.
- Targeted intervention Program
- Family Preservation Program
- Reunification Program
- Adolescent Reunification program
- Specialist Family Preservation Foster care Program
