Supporting families to stay safe, strong and connected
Every family experiences seasons of stress, transition or difficulty.
The Families Together Program Newcastle provides practical, goal-focused in-home support for parents and carers who want to strengthen their family relationships, manage parenting stress and create a safe, stable home environment for their children.
Working in partnership with parents, experienced caseworkers assist families to identify their natural strengths, resolve complex challenges and prevent family stress from escalating.
How the Families Together Program assists your home
Support is delivered directly in your home or at an agreed safe community venue. Caseworkers work alongside your family to build tailored strategies that suit your daily routines.
The Families Together Program Newcastle provides practical, goal-focused in-home support for parents and carers who want to strengthen their family relationships, manage parenting stress and create a safe, stable home environment for their children.
Working in partnership with parents, experienced caseworkers assist families to identify their natural strengths, resolve complex challenges and prevent family stress from escalating.
- Visit you 2 or 3 times a week for up to 12 months.
- Develop a tailored plan with practical goals to improve your child’s safety.
- Provide practical suggestions to improve daily family life and routines.
- Link you with additional local services that can help.
- Support you to develop new parenting skills.
- Provide access to 24/7 phone contact with a family worker.
- Maintain regular contact with your DCJ caseworker so everyone stays informed.
- Attend case meetings with you to advocate for your family’s needs.
- Discuss what is working well, address any worries, and plan next steps together.
Am I eligible for this service?
The Families Together Program is designed to be accessible, inclusive and culturally safe for all local households.
Eligibility
Families, parents and primary carers raising children aged 0 to 18 who live in the Newcastle areas.
Inclusive care
Services welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, multicultural and refugee communities, single parents, LGBTIQA+ parents and carers living with a disability.
Voluntary participation
Joining the program is entirely voluntary. You partner with caseworkers to set your own goals and determine the pace of your support.
Accessing the Families Together Program
We only receive referrals directly from DCJ caseworkers. If you believe that this service could be helpful for your family, please contact your assigned caseworker to request a referral.
If your family is referred to us, we will arrange to meet with you and your caseworker to hear their concerns and your concerns, and you will have the opportunity to accept or decline our service.
Frequently asked questions
Are there any fees for this service?
No. The Families Together Program is fully funded and provided free of charge to eligible families in the Newcastle and Maitland areas.
Where do support visits take place?
Casework visits primarily take place in your home for convenience and practical application. Meetings can also be arranged at a safe, neutral community location if preferred.
Who is eligible for the Families Together Program?
The program is available to parents, guardians and carers with children aged 0 to 18 living in the Newcastle or Maitland areas who have an active Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) caseworker requiring changes to improve child safety.