· web viewchild and family centres act. a guide to our programs and services 2018. gungahlin...

Child and Family Centres actA guide to our programs and services 2018Gungahlin Tuggeranong West Belconnen

Find your local Centre Gungahlin51 Ernest Cavanagh St, Gungahlin

Phone 6207 0120

G Look for this symbol to find services and programs available at Gungahlin

Tuggeranong159 Anketell St, Greenway

Phone 6207 8228

T Look for this symbol to find services and programs available at Tuggeranong

West Belconnen6 Luke St, Holt

Phone 6205 2904

WB Look for this symbol to find services and programs available at West Belconnen

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the ACT and their continuing connection to land and community. We pay our respect to them and their culture, and to their Elders both past and present.

We acknowledge artists Ceretha Skinner and Dale Huddleston for use of their artworks in our marketing and promotional materials.

ContentsAbout us 2

Early intervention and emotional wellbeing 5

Courses and groups for parents and children 7

Partner organisation programs and services 11

OneLink 21

ParentLink 22

Useful contacts 23

Accessibility 25

About usThe early years of a child’s life set the foundation for their future health, development and learning. The Child and Family Centres (the Centres) are a ‘one-stop-shop’ supporting families during this important time.

The Centres are staffed by professionals including social workers and psychologists, and are designed to provide a range of support programs to assist parents and children.

The services and support provided through the Centres focus on children pre-birth to 8 years; however, selected services can be offered to children up to 12 years of age.

Drop-in parenting supportParents and carers are invited to visit their local Child and Family Centre to chat with a trained professional about parenting, ask questions and to get information. This can lead to ongoing, one-to-one support with Child and Family Workers.

Staff are available to speak with parents and service providers — Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, either in person or by phoning your local Centre — about a range of issues including:

general parenting adjusting to being a parent family relationship issues your child’s behaviour and development.

This service is free of charge and available without an appointment.

Where G, T, WBWhen 9.00 am–5.00 pm Monday to FridayWho Parents and carers of young children How Drop-in or call your local Centre

Ongoing supportChild and Family Workers are available to provide ongoing support for children and families. No two families are the same so Child and Family Workers will provide a tailored service to your child and family.

Child and Family Workers work with families in many different ways. For example, workers can:

help coordinate services that might be involved with your family help develop strategies to support your child’s behaviour assist with access to other services including short-term child care assistance for eligible families.

Child and Family Workers can meet with children and families at the Centre, at home, at school or another convenient location.

This service is free of charge and available by visiting or phoning your local Centre.

Frequently asked questionsCan I just drop in to chat with someone?

Yes. Professional staff are available to speak with parents and service providers — without an appointment — Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, either in person or by phoning:

Gungahlin 6207 0120

Tuggeranong 6207 8228

West Belconnen 6205 2904

What services are provided at the Centres?

Drop-in parenting information, education and group programs

Child Development Service physiotherapy and speech clinics

ACT Health services — immunisations, child health checks, Maternal and Child Health nurses, midwifery, new parents groups and sleep clinics. For detailed listings, see page 5.

Is there a fee?

No. All services provided by the Centres are free to ACT residents.

Can I have my own worker who can help me for a while with some parenting and family issues?

Yes. A Child and Family Worker will meet with you to discuss your situation. This may mean a Worker supporting children and families on an individual basis, a referral to a parenting group, or referral to another service that may be more appropriate. All options are discussed with parents to ensure the right response is provided. If parents feel they would like ongoing support and assistance in their parenting role, a worker may be provided to support them.

Can any ACT resident use the services or do you have to live in Gungahlin, Tuggeranong or West Belconnen?

The Centres primarily support children and families who live in the Gungahlin, Tuggeranong, and West Belconnen communities. ACT parents outside these regions are welcome to contact any Centre.

For more information about programs and services available, phone, drop in or visit: www.communityservices.act.gov.au

http://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/

Early intervention and emotional wellbeingChildren’s Behaviour and Emotional Wellbeing ClinicConsultation clinics for parents and carers of children under 8 years to provide information on child development and behaviour, relationships and strategies to support these concerns.

WhereG, T, WB

Who Parents with children under 8 yearsHow Contact your local Centre

FACILITATED BY CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRES

Circle of Security relationship-based parenting programThis international and widely-researched program provides opportunities to develop and enhance a secure relationship between parents and their children.

Parents will learn how to recognise, understand and meet their children’s emotional needs in order to prevent and manage behavioural and emotional difficulties. This is an 8-week, small group program which uses observation, reflection, practice and discussion.

The group is appropriate for parents of children aged birth to 8 years.

WhereG, T, WB

Who Parents with children under 8 years of age

How Call your local Centre

Facilitated by child and family centres

Cool KidsA group for primary school children aged 8–12 years, focusing on teaching them better ways to manage anxiety.

WhereG, T, WB

When Contact your local Centre

Who Children aged 8–12 years

How Contact your local Centre

FACILITATED BY CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRES AT GUNGAHLIN AND WEST BELCONNEN, BUNGEE AT TUGGERANONG

Cool Little KidsA group for parents of children aged 3–8 years, helping them learn strategies to assist their anxious child.

WhereG, T, WB

When Contact your local Centre

Who Parents of children aged 3–8 years



Tuning into KidsA parenting program that aims to give parents and carers helpful ways of teaching their child to develop skills for good emotional intelligence. Tuning into Kids teaches parents awareness and regulation of their own and their child’s emotions. It also teaches parents skills in assisting children to verbally label and manage their emotions and to problem solve. The program assists parents to guide children’s behaviour within appropriate limits.

WhereG, WB

Who Parents of children aged 3–10 years


FACILITATED BY CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRES AND BELCONNEN COMMUNITY SERVICES

Courses and groups for parents and childrenGeneral programs, courses, groupsGET UP (Group Engaging The Under 25 Parents)

A group for young parents under 25 years where parents can meet new friends, tap into creative skills, play with their child/children, connect with support and find out useful parenting tips.

WhereWB

When Friday mornings during weeks 2–9 of school term

Who Young parents under 25 years

How Contact the Centre

FACILITATED BY WEST BELCONNEN CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRE AND PARTNERS

Growing Healthy Families

A program to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities. It includes a range of services offered in each Child and Family Centre to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities.

Where G, T, WB

How Contact your local Centre for current programs or more information

FACILITATED BY CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRES AND PARTNERS

Learn, Giggle and Grow

Parents and children have the opportunity to interact and play in a safe and supported environment. The emphasis is on encouraging parents to engage with their children in play, enrich the parent–child relationship and help parents build confidence. Groups run from weeks 2–9 of each school term.

WhereG, T, WB

Who Parents and children birth to 5 years


FACILITATED BY CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRES AND PARTNERS

Parents as Teachers

A monthly home visit program to help parents recognise everyday learning opportunities in their children’s lives. During visits, trained parent educators provide parents with practical information and guidance to help their child develop skills essential for later learning.

Emphasis is placed on developing children’s thinking and curiosity, language, motor and social skills. Support can start later in the prenatal period and may continue until a child reaches 3 years of age.

WhereG, T, WB

When By appointment

Who Families with a child under 2½ years of age



POPPY (Parents Opportunity to Participate in Play with their Young)

A supported group for mums and dads with mental health issues where parents can meet other parents and share experiences while having fun playing with their children.

WhereT, WB

When Tuesday mornings during weeks 2–9 of school term

Who Parents with mental health issues with children birth to 5 years


FACILITATED BY ACT MENTAL HEALTH, RICHMOND FELLOWSHIP AND CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRES

Multicultural parenting programs, courses, groupsAtfaal Family Playgroup

A group for Muslim families with children under 5 years living in Gungahlin. The group aims to build links with the community and provide access to parenting information and services.

WhereG

When Tuesday mornings during weeks 2–9 of school term

Who Muslim parents and children under 5 years


FACILITATED BY GUNGAHLIN CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRE

Multicultural Group

A playgroup to assist multicultural families with children from birth to 5 years to settle into the community by providing them with a variety of support services. The playgroup also supports families by nurturing their child’s development through play.

Where G, T

Who Parents with children birth to 5 years who are from a culturally and linguistically diverse background


FACILITATED BY THE SMITH FAMILY, CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRES AND ACT HEALTH

South Sudanese Group

A group for South Sudanese families with children from birth to 5 years. The group aims to build links with the community and improve access to parenting information and services.

WhereWB

When Wednesday mornings during weeks 2–9 of school term

Who South Sudanese families with children from birth to 5 years


FACILITATED BY THE SMITH FAMILY AND WEST BELCONNEN CHILD AND FAMILY CENTRE

Partner organisation programs and servicesACT Child Development ServiceThe Child Development Service provides assessment, referral, information and linkages for children from birth to 6 years where there are concerns relating to their development. This may include concerns about a child developing skills slower than others of the same age in areas such as their speech and language, movement, hand skills, self-care, and social development. The service also provides autism assessment for children aged up to 12 years.

Drop-in Clinics

Drop-in Clinics are an opportunity for ACT parents to talk to:

a speech pathologist about issues with their child’s communication skills a physiotherapist about concerns they have about their child’s gross motor development and posture,

movement and walking.

The clinics include informal discussion and screening of skills but are not a formal assessment. No appointment is necessary; however, an approximate timeslot will be provided upon arrival at the speech pathology clinics.

WhereG, T, WB and Holder

When For timetables and more information, visit www.communityservices.act.gov.au/childdevelopmentservice/drop-in-clinics

Who Physiotherapy from birth to 6 years of age

Speech Therapy from birth to 6 years of age. For concerns about older children, please contact the Intake Line 6205 1246.

ACT Community Services Directorate: Women’s Information ACT Women’s Return to Work Grants Program

Grants of up to $1000 are available to women who have been absent from the workforce for more than 12 months due to caring responsibilities, and who meet the program criteria.

How To find out more, email [email protected], call 6205 2885 or visit www.women.act.gov.au

Women’s Information Officer

A Women’s Information Officer can put you in touch with services and providers who offer assistance and advice across a diverse range of subject matters including domestic violence and sexual assault, child care, social interaction, further education, multicultural networks, and mental health support networks.

Where G, T, WB

Who Women

How To book an appointment, call a Women’s Information Officeron 6205 1075 or email [email protected] For more information visit www.act.gov.au/women

Women’s Legal Centre — DV Outreach Program

A free initial appointment with a solicitor for women who are or have experienced family or domestic violence. Solicitors provide information, advice and, if eligible, ongoing representation and help with family law issues.

WhereG, T, WB

Who Women with experience of family or domestic violence

How Contact Intake at your local Centre

ACT Health Directorate: HospitalsMaternity

Midwives offer outreach services for antenatal check-ups, information and advice for parents scheduled to give birth at Calvary Hospital and the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children.

Where

G Calvary Hospital Antenatal Clinic, and the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children

T Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, and antenatal breastfeeding sessions

WB Calvary Hospital Antenatal Clinic, and the Centenary Hospital for Women and Children

Bookings phone numbers:Calvary Hospital

Antenatal Clinic 6201 6359

The Birthing Centre 6264 7062

Centenary Hospital for Women and Children

Birth Centre (Canberra Midwifery Program) 6174 7341

Birthing Suite 6174 7444

CatCH (Continuity at Centenary Hospital) 6174 5800

Antenatal Clinic (bookings including breastfeeding sessions) 6174 7625

ACT Health Directorate: Women, Youth and Children Community Health ProgramMaternal and Child Health (MACH) Nursing Service

To book MACH Nursing Services, call Community Health Intake 6207 9977, 8 am–5 pm Monday to Friday (excluding public hols).

Child Health Clinics (BABIES AND YOUNG CHILDREN TO 4 YEARS)Health checks, immunisations, information and advice on parenting issues, including development, lactation, feeding, sleeping and settling for babies and young children to 4 years.

WhereG, T, WB

When Contact Community Health Intake for details

Drop-in Clinics (BRIEF CONSULTATION)Best suited for quick questions and updates, not comprehensive health checks. Self-weigh facilities available to weigh your baby. No appointment necessary, 15–20 minutes allocated for each child.

WhereG, T, WB


Early Days (BABIES UP TO 3 MONTHS)Group sessions to assist parents with babies up to 3 months, with early issues with feeding and settling their baby.

WhereG, T, WB


Fussy Eaters group (CHILDREN 1 TO 5 YEARS)A free session for parents and carers of fussy eaters. A dietician is available to answer questions and offer advice to help make mealtimes easier. Sessions go for 1½ hours from 12pm.

WhereG, T, WB


New Parents Groups (first-time parents of babies up to 4 months)MACH nurses offer support, information and advice over 4 weekly sessions.

WhereG, T, WB


Orthoptist (from birth to 6 years)A secondary screening clinic for children, birth to 6 years. Referrals through MACH and kindergarten screen.

WhereT

PHYSIo information groupMonthly group to provide information on the first year post natally for mothers and babies.

WhereG, T, WB


Sleep and Settling Groups (3 months to 3 years)MACH nurses run groups to help address sleep and settling issues. The three age specific sessions are: 3–8 months; 9–18 months; 19–36 months.

WhereG, T, WB

WhenContact Community Health Intake for details

Nutrition Free service for children, young people and their families. Dietitians can provide advice on a range of nutrition topics including fussy eating, introducing solids, weight management, food allergy and intolerance, disordered eating and healthy eating during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

WhereWB


Women’s Health Service

Nursing and counselling services to support women’s health and wellbeing. Counsellor services only at Tuggeranong and Gungahlin. Nurse and counsellor services at West Belconnen.

WhereG, T, WB

Who Women experiencing significant barriers to health service access

How Phone 6205 1078

ACT PlaygroupsPlaying Together (early intervention playgroups)A playgroup providing a fun time and an opportunity to meet with other parents who have a child with additional needs. Guest speakers discuss topics relevant to attendees. Siblings under 5 years welcome.

WhereG Thursday mornings T Friday mornings

Who Parents and children birth to 5 years who have a disability, developmental delay or chronic illness. Siblings welcome.

How Phone ACT Playgroups 1800 171 882 or contact your local Centre

FACILITATED BY ACT PLAYGROUPS AND MYTIME PLAYGROUPS

Australian Breastfeeding AssociationSupport and advice to breastfeeding women

Counsellor-led meetings to provide support and advice to breastfeeding women.

Where G, T

When Monthly group meetings

Who Breastfeeding women

How Email [email protected] or Facebook Australian Breastfeeding Association—Tuggeranong Group

Belconnen Community ServicesBungee Youth Resilience Program

Bungee is an inclusive resilience building program that promotes emotional wellbeing through the arts. The program supports young people (aged 5–18) to participate in activities designed to build resilience, enhance wellbeing and social and emotional health. Bungee fosters a supportive environment that encourages participants to socially connect with others, as well as develop new and existing artistic skills. Bungee classes operate across the ACT and are facilitated in a small, safe and supportive group setting.

Bungee offers a suite of art-based programs in schools and community settings. The programs offer weekly sessions and run over 8 weeks in a school setting and nine weeks in the community settings.

All programs are free of charge, offered during the school term and are limited to groups of eight.

WhereG

How Book through Belconnen Community Service 6264 0200

Bungee Counselling Support

Bungee provides individual counselling support to children and young people who have mild to moderate mental health concerns in a welcoming, supportive and child-friendly environment. The counselling sessions include discussion, creative activities and guidance for parents/caregivers. Bungee individual support is offered throughout the school term in various locations across the ACT, including at the Tuggeranong Child and Family Centre on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Please note, an intake interview with parents/caregivers and assessment is required.

WhereT

How For enquiries, please contact Bungee on 6264 0200 or [email protected]

Care Financial CounsellingNo Interest Loans Scheme

Care Financial counselling offers weekly outreach sessions with a NILS officer at the CFC. NILS is a community based program offering loans to people on low incomes. These loans provide access to credit for essential household items without any fees, charges or interest payments.

WhereG, T

How Contact your local Centre to make an appointment

DVCSDomestic Violence Crisis Service

Outreach and programs available for those affected by domestic or family violence.

WhereG, T

How Contact Intake and speak with a Child and Family Worker or phone the DVCS 24-hour Crisis Line and Client Assistance on 6280 0900

Legal AidOutreach Legal Advocacy

Legal advice for community members.

Where G, T

How Contact Intake at your local Centre to make an appointment

Mandarin for FunCommunity Playgroup

This is a mixed age and cultural background playgroup. Members are from both Chinese and non-Chinese backgrounds with children aged from birth to 5 years.

Where WB

Who Parents and children birth to 5 years

How Email [email protected] or phone 0410 981 788

MarymeadKAYAKS (Kids And Youth Are Kool post Separation) Program

KAYAKS is a program for children aged 4–12 years and young people aged 13–18 years, whose parents and caregivers are separated or divorced.

Where G, WB

When Contact Intake at your local Centre

Who Children and young people aged 4–18 years, from separated or divorced families

How Enquiries and referrals from parents, caregivers, other service providers, the Family Court and legal practitioners. Phone 6162 5829 or email [email protected]

Migrant and Refugee Settlement Service (MARSS) Outreach

A free outreach service that provides casework, including referrals and advocacy for clients.

Clients may be assisted with completing forms for Centrelink or migration documentation. Please note MARSS is not a migration agent.

Referrals to services such as financial, legal, education, employment and counselling services, including writing support letters for clients for organisations, such as Housing ACT.

WhereG, T, WB

When Contact Intake for information

Who Refugees and humanitarian visa holders, some family stream and other permanent visa holders are eligible to access Settlement Grants Program services.

How Drop in during MARSS outreach session or call MARSS reception and make an appointment in advance. Phone MARSS 6248 8577 or email [email protected]

We use the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) if required.

NDIS EACHEarly Childhood Early Intervention

In the ACT, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and EACH have a partnership to ensure families have access to early childhood early intervention quickly and easily. EACH is the first point of contact for parents and carers who have a baby or young child with developmental delay or disability.

There are a wide variety of supports available. Supports can be offered in a range of everyday environments such as at home, childcare settings, local playgroups and Child and Family Centres. The EACH Team will work with families to provide the right level of support, based on the needs of each child and family.

WhereG, T, WB and 26 Weingarth St Holder

Who Children aged from birth to 6 years with a developmental delay or disability.

How Contact EACH on 1300 003234, drop into EACH at 26 Weingarth St Holder, or contact your local Centre.

Paint & PlayOutdoor playgroups

Join us for some fun in the park! It’s free! Paint and Play is a fun time for kids to paint, do puzzles, meet other kids and play games. Don’t forget to bring your hats, sunscreen and a snack.

WhereVarious Canberra locations during school terms.

When For contact information and to find out when the next event will be held in your area, contact your local centre or visit www.communityservices.act.gov.au/ocyfs/children/childandfamilycentres/paint_and_play

Who Kids (birth to 5 years) with mums, dads or carers.

Red Cross Advocacy ServiceFamily support

A support service for birth families where a child has recently moved into or is ‘at risk’ of entering Out of Home Care.

WhereG, T

How Contact your local Centre for appointments

Relationships AustraliaRelationship Counselling

Counselling on relationship-based issues.

WhereG, T, WB

When Fortnightly

Who Families using the Child and Family Centres

How Referrals through your local Centre

Street LawOutreach Legal Service

Street Law is a free service for clients who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. It is a generalist legal service that can talk to clients about most areas of law. They can also provide clients with a referral to other services.

WhereWB

When When required

How Contact the Centre for appointments

The Smith FamilyLearning for Life

The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program is a student support program set up to assist financially disadvantaged young Australians to make the most of their education.

WhereG, T, WB

Who School-aged children

How Phone The Smith Family 6283 7600

OnelinkOneLink is the central information, intake and referral service for human services in the ACT and can connect you to the right services at the right time to ensure you get the support you need.

OneLink can connect you to a wide range of services including: child, youth and family services, accommodation supports, tenancy support, legal services, financial services, mental health services and many more.

How to contact OneLinkCall 1800 176 468 (8.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday) (Telephone Interpreter Service 131 450)

Email [email protected]

Visit www.onelink.org.au (online chat available)

Drop-in Chat to OneLink staff members at Housing ACT Central Access Point, Nature Conservation House, Cnr Emu Bank & Benjamin Way, Belconnen (9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday)

OutreachDrop-in and talk to OneLink staff at the following locations:

Red Cross Roadhouse Early Morning Centre West Belconnen Child and Family Centre Tuggeranong Child and Family Centre Gungahlin Child and Family Centre

Please visit our website for details about outreach times

ParentLinkParentLink is a FREE service of the ACT Government Community Services Directorate.

ParentLink aims to increase the confidence and skills of parents by supporting and linking them to information, ideas and community services.

ParentLink guides are full of practical information and tips to manage parenting challenges, including sibling rivalry, sleeping, blended families and grandparenting.

Whatever your child’s age, you will find lots of good ideas.

t 13 34 27e [email protected] www.parentlink.act.gov.au

Useful contacts Contact details for a range of emergency, health, social and support services.

24-hour services

Ambulance, Fire, Police (life-threatening or time-critical

000

24-hour services

emergency)

ACT Police Assistance 13 14 44

Alcohol and Drug Helpline 6207 9977

Calvary Hospital 6201 6111

Calvary John James Hospital 6281 8100

Canberra Hospital 6244 2222

Canberra Rape Crisis Centre 6247 2525

Domestic Violence Crisis Service 6280 0900

HealthDirect 1800 022 222

Lifeline 13 11 14

Mental Health ACT Triage 1800 629 354

Mental Health Service (Queanbeyan)

6128 9900

Poisons Information 13 11 26

Child protection (reporting)

Child and Youth Protection Services General public(where the child is in the ACT)

Mandated reporters

1300 556 7291300 556 728

Child Abuse Prevention ServiceMon–Fri: 9am–5pm

1800 688 009

NSW Department of Family & Community 24hrsServices (where the child is in NSW)

13 21 11

Parenting

Australian Breastfeeding Association 1800 686 268

Child and Family Centres ACTGungahlin

(Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm) Tuggeranong West Belconnen

6207 01206207 82286205 2904

Childcare Access Hotline Mon–Fri: 8am–9pm

1800 670 305

Children’s Services Program 6207 1103

Community Health Intake Mon–Fri: 8am–5pm

6207 9977

Karitane Careline 24hrs 1300 227 464

Maternal and Child Health NurseMon–Fri: 8am–5pm

6207 9977

Parenting

OneLink 1800 176 468

PANDSI (Post and Antenatal Depression Support and Information)

6288 1936

Parentline ACT 6287 3833

Queen Elizabeth II Family CentreMon–Fri: 8am–5pm

6207 9977

Raising Children Website

raisingchildren.net.au

Tresillian Parent Help Line 1300 272 736

Women, Youth & Children Mon–Fri: 8am–5pm

6207 9977

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