ABOUT CAFS

Introduction to CAFS

Child & Family Services Ballarat (CAFS) is a community service organisation that provides a range of programs and services to children, young people and families who are vulnerable or in need of support.

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Who we help:

• Children & young people
• Families
• Men
• Communities

Our goal is to give every individual the optimal opportunity to live in a safe and nurturing family.

We are governed by a Board drawn from the communities in which we serve and deliver a range of programs to support children, young people and families. These programs and services range from family counselling to homelessness assistance, men's behavioral changes programs and foster care.

With more than 185 staff and 200 volunteers in offices in Ballarat, Ararat, Bacchus Marsh and Daylesford, CAFS provides help and support to more than 5,000 individuals and families each year across the Victorian Central Highlands region.

CAFS has a long history supporting families, dating back to 1865 with the Ballarat Orphanage and Ballarat Children's Home. Although our programs and services have changed and expanded significantly since these early days, we are just as committed and passionate to helping children and families in need.

CAFS' key service areas are divided into the following:

• Family and early childhood services
• Child placement and support for children
• Homelessness and community services
• Family violence and family support programs

 

FAMILY & EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES

CAFS aims to prevent the need for children and young people being removed from their families, and to promote positive family life and community connectedness. We work with parents and children in their homes when there is a concern for the wellbeing of a child, providing short term or long-term intensive support.

Programs and services:

• Parenting groups & mentoring
• Day Stay: support and education for parents with infants
• Support for people from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Child first intake and referral service
• Longer term support for children and families

 

CHILD PLACEMENT & SUPPORT SERVICES

CAFS provides care and support for children and young people who have been removed from their families due to child safety concerns. We give these young people the chance to recover from the trauma they have suffered and help them reach their potential.

CAFS supports approximately 160 children up to 18 years of age, as well as their carers every night of the week.

Programs and services:

• Foster care
• Residential care
• Kinship care
• Adoption and permanent care

 

FAMILY VIOLENCE & FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAMS

Children and young people often suffer due to conflict between parents. CAFS aims to prevent children being caught up in parental conflict by educating parents to consider their child’s needs, assisting men to change abusive behaviours and by supporting family members through the stress of family breakdown.

In 2010-11 financial year, these CAFS programs engaged with more than 2,000 family members.

Programs and services:

• Post-separation co-operative parenting
• Men and family relationships
• Men’s behaviour change programs
• Court counselling

 

HOMELESSNESS & COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES

Families and individuals requiring assistance to overcome the effects of financial and housing crises are helped through this range of services. A lack of affordable housing and the increase in day-to-day living costs is putting people under a great deal of stress, which increases the need for these CAFS programs.

During the 2010-11 financial year we provided assistance and support to more than 2,000 people.

Programs and services:

• Financial counselling
• Gamblers Help
• Strengthening partnerships between communities