Community

What is Family Connect and Support?

Family Connect and Support (FCS) is a service that can help you and your family connect to the right services and supports at the right time. FCS is available across NSW.

FCS is free and voluntary for children, young people and families. Anyone can contact or refer to FCS.

FCS providers can offer information and advice depending on a family’s individual needs and circumstances.

If the issues are more complex, an FCS worker will talk to the family about their needs and will connect them to the right support services.

In some circumstances, there may be a wait for services. Where this is the case, the FCS provider will stay connected with the family, until services are available.

Who is eligible for Family Connect and Support?

There is no formal eligibility criteria for Family Connect and Support. In most cases however there must be a child/young person aged 0 - 18 in the family or household.

FCS also has some specific target groups that will be prioritized for service delivery. These are  

• Aboriginal children, young people and their families
• families with young children (0 – 5) and
• Families with children/young people affected by mental illness.

How do you make a referral to FCS?

You can make a referral for yourself or on behalf of a family member or friend by contacting the local FCS provider. Find out the contact details of the FCS provider in your area.

You can also make an initial enquiry to a local FCS provider through this website. Simply find the FCS provider in the area here, click on the ‘Make an enquiry’ button and fill out the form.

The local FCS provider will contact you or the person you have nominated to discuss the enquiry and how they can support the family’s needs and preferences.

How does FCS help families?

All families can experience difficult times and sometimes need extra help and support for a range of reasons. FCS is available to help.

This may include parenting challenges, domestic and family violence, mental health, financial stress and substance misuse.

How does FCS cater to all communities?

FCS providers understand that every family is different. They cater to the diverse needs of local communities.

A family can ask for an interpreter if they need one.

Aboriginal children, young people and families are a priority for the FCS program. Aboriginal families can ask to be connected with an Aboriginal worker or referred to an Aboriginal service.

What can we expect from FCS?

FCS providers will take time to talk to families and understand their situation.  If needed, the FCS can develop a plan in partnership with the family to help connect them to the right services at the right time.  FCS can work with a family for up to 16 weeks. FCS will stay connected with the family if there’s a wait for services. The aim of FCS is to deliver a service that is responsive to families.