Family Services

Supporting families is at the heart of everything we do

At Cafs, we offer services across a wide range of programs designed for families at all stages of life, for parents and children from pre-birth to 17 years old.

We understand that every family is different, and we tailor our programs to your individual needs, whether it’s for help in building parenting skills or more intensive support to keep families safe.

Integrated Family Services program

Supporting families through life’s challenges

Cafs Integrated Family Services program is here to support children (from pre-birth to 17 years) and their families during times of difficulty. We understand that every family’s situation is unique, and we are committed to supporting you with care, respect and understanding.

Our services are designed to promote children’s safety, stability and healthy development. Whether you're facing parenting challenges, family conflict (including family safety), mental or physical health concerns, or issues related to substance use, we are here to help.

Intensive Family Services

Focused, compassionate support for families facing complex challenges.

Intensive Family Services is here for children (from pre-birth to 17 years) and their families who are experiencing ongoing or escalating difficulties.

We understand that some families have faced repeated challenges, may have found it hard to stay connected with earlier services, or have seen progress slip away over time. That’s okay, we’re here to help you find your way again.

This program is designed for families who may be in frequent contact with crisis or statutory services, or where children have experienced ongoing harm. We offer intensive, personalised support of up to 200 hours per family to help create lasting change and promote each child’s safety, stability, and healthy development.

Connections into Intensive Family Services will be identified and made through Child Protection or The Orange Door.

No matter where you are starting from, we’ll support you with care, respect, and a commitment to helping your family thrive.

Keeping Families Together

Family Preservation & Reunification Response – Central Highlands

Helping families stay strong, connected, and together

Keeping Families Together is a joint initiative between Child and Family Services (Cafs) and the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative (BADAC). This program offers rapid, intensive, and evidence-informed support to families experiencing complex challenges, with the goal of helping children remain safely at home or return to their families after time in care.

We work closely with families to provide the right support at the right time. The program focuses on keeping children and young people safe at home, preventing the need for out-of-home care, and supporting safe, lasting reunification for those returning from care. This intensive model responds quickly and compassionately, giving families the tools and guidance they need to build a safer, more secure and connected future, together.

Referrals to this program are only through the Child Protection Navigator.

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