Youth and Family Worker

Youth & Family Workers provide trauma-informed practices to deliver real support

The Family Co. Youth & Family workers are qualified professionals who can assist and support youth independently, and can also work with other family members in an environment that is non-judgemental, safe and friendly.

Our Youth and Family (YAF) workers practice from a trauma informed perspective and use attachment based parenting principles to promote healthy relationships between young people and parents to support and strengthen connection. YAF workers are able to provide emotional and practical support, advocacy, information and referrals.

Referrals to the FREE YAF program can be made by an agency, relative, friend or self. Appointments can be flexible, and YAF workers are able to meet young people and families at The Family Co., at school, or at a suitable place out in the local community.

YAF Workers are able to assist with:

Adolescent/parent conflict
Family relationships
Family and/or relationship violence
Peer relationships & school issues
Education and employment
Accommodation
Legal issues
Alcohol and other drugs
Mental health
Sexual health & Sexuality
Living and social skills

Referrals to the YAF Program can be made by phoning The Family Co. on 9528 2933, or by emailing [email protected]

You can also submit your details via our Online Self Referral form and a team member will contact you. You must obtain the consent of the young person being referred to The Family Co Youth Services before submitting this form.

If you would like to support the work we do at The Family Co., please consider donating to our service.

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Latest

Mums and Bubs Yoga Term 2 (2024) *Open to Sutherland Shire Residents Only

Build Strength, reduce stress and meet new people while engaging with your bub in this Yoga class for Mums and Bubs, held at Jannali on Monday mornings. The cost for the term (8 classes) is $80.
Tuning into Teens Abridged - Commencing 7 May 2024 *SUTHERLAND SHIRE RESIDENTS ONLY

The Family Co. is offering an abridged version of the popular Tuning in to Teens program. This 4-week parent education workshop series helps parents of tweens/teens aged 10-18 years reduce conflict, increase communication, and recognise, understand and respond to their teenager's emotions as well as their own. The group starts on Tuesday 7th May 2024 from 6-8pm and will be held at The Family Co. in Jannali. Please note this program is for SUTHERLAND SHIRE RESIDENTS ONLY
Circle of Security for First Nations Families

The Circle of Security Parenting program is an 7 week parenting course, offered FREE by The Family Co and Lilli Pilli Counselling. The course is held each Thursday from 16th May - 27th June from 10am - 12:00pm at South Sydney PTS. This is specifically for you if you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or have children that identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Creating Partnerships with Impact

The Family Co. has cultivated a profound and enduring partnership with Southern Waters Legal that goes beyond mere financial support to create impact in the community

Circle of Security for First Nations Families

The Circle of Security Parenting program is an 7 week parenting course, offered FREE by The Family Co and Lilli Pilli Counselling. The course is held each Thursday from 16th May - 27th June from 10am - 12:00pm at South Sydney PTS. This is specifically for you if you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or have children that identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Coffee and Connect

Coffee and Connect is a weekly supportive social group and playgroup available for families of currently serving Defence force members to attend. This group supports families to build connections in their local area, with other Defence families, facing similar experiences.
Play and Connect

Play and Connect is a free playgroup for families with children aged 0-5, and operates every Thursday morning during school terms at The Family Co centre in Jannali. This supportive group provides opportunity for families to connect with their child through fun, interactive activities, sensory play and art.
Youth Programs & Services

The Family Co. Youth Services offer information, support and programs for young people, schools and families. Our experienced staff aim to support young people to strengthen and foster relationships and develop resilience and life skills. We offer a range of programs and services that help young people become self-aware, understand and explore their potential, and be present and connected in their community.
Defence Family Worker Support

Providing Defence Force Families with emotional and practical support, advocacy, information and referrals.
Intensive Family Preservation

The Intensive Family Preservation (IFP) Program provides intensive interventions to work towards improving children’s safety, placement permanency and wellbeing. IFP is a family focused, and community-based service designed to help families cope with significant stressors impacting their ability to nurture their children.
Social Space

Social space is a safe space that young people can attend to make community connections, re-charge, meet with their friends and receive support from our youth workers.
Domestic Violence Caseworker

A domestic violence caseworker understands the intricacies of domestic and family violence and is well equipped to provide additional support to any woman who is impacted by domestic violence. They work 1 on 1 with women who have been impacted by domestic violence to provide short term crisis support, can assist with safety planning, access to safe housing, Centrelink and Victims Services supports amongst other needs.
Aboriginal Family Worker Services

Aboriginal Family Workers provide practical and emotional support and assistance to Aboriginal families with young children who are experiencing difficulties.
Family Caseworker Program

Family Workers provide assistance to families who, for a variety of reasons, would benefit from additional support.

Group Programs Schedule

Each term, we publish a calendar of events for programs we offer. This includes our Parenting Support Programs, Early Childhood and Educational Support Programs and Domestic Violence Support Programs.
About Us

We exist because all children and families should have a safe home, strong connections and opportunities to thrive in life.
How to Refer

Help is easy to access. You can be referred by a health professional or another agency, or self-refer. Just call us on (02) 9528 2933 and tell us what you need help with.
Family Caseworker Program

Family Workers provide assistance to families who, for a variety of reasons, would benefit from additional support.
Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to help us! We're a lean and specialised team, and while we don't allow volunteers in client facing capacities, we are very grateful to have volunteers who can assist with admin, marketing and events. If you're interested, we'd love to hear from you!
About Toolbox Talks

Find out more about the Toolbox Talks Project - How it started, our goals, and what we've already achieved.
Learning about Australian Animals sparks joy in Djanaba kids

Last week the Djanaba Occasional Care team integrated a learning unit on Australian Animals, with the children showing great interest in the varied activities from reading, to art, to games, that helped them learn all about koalas, kangaroos, and other native fauna.
Southern Sydney Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service

The Southern Sydney Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (SSWDVCAS) provides information, advocacy and referrals for women and families attending Sutherland and Kogarah Local Courts for Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders.
Play and Connect

Play and Connect is a free playgroup for families with children aged 0-5, and operates every Thursday morning during school terms at The Family Co centre in Jannali. This supportive group provides opportunity for families to connect with their child through fun, interactive activities, sensory play and art.
Youth Programs & Services

The Family Co. Youth Services offer information, support and programs for young people, schools and families. Our experienced staff aim to support young people to strengthen and foster relationships and develop resilience and life skills. We offer a range of programs and services that help young people become self-aware, understand and explore their potential, and be present and connected in their community.