Defence Family Worker Support

The Family Co. Defence Family Worker program, offers assistance to Australian Defence Force families from the Sutherland Shire, Bayside and George's River areas, through case work, and community connection opportunities.

This program provides a dedicated Defence Family Worker to provide assistance to families of current serving members of the Defence Force. The family worker can support with:

Emotional and practical support, advocacy and links to services.
Parenting support, including managing emotions and developmental stages, and enhancing parent/child relationships
Understanding of issues unique to military life such as managing deployment, family member absence, and regular relocations.
Readjusting family life when families are reunited after deployment
Supporting children to adjust to new schools and build connections
Links to group programs, social groups and playgroups

Family workers can advocate on behalf of families needing help from Government departments and other local services, and support families with other challenges they may face.

Click HERE to refer to the Defence Family Support Worker Program.

We also offer a supportive, social group - the Coffee and Connect program, which meets fortnightly in a central location, and is available for all Defence families to attend. This group supports parents and their children to build connections in their local area, with other Defence families, facing similar circumstances.

If you're interested in learning more about our support services for Defence families, please call our office on (02) 9528 2933.

Latest

Domestic Violence Awareness - Volvo Session 6

This session will help you to identify types of violence, common indicators of violence being used or experienced. The content also explores bystander responses and provides practical information about support services for victims and users of violence.
Domestic Violence Awareness - Volvo Session 5

This session will help you to identify types of violence, common indicators of violence being used or experienced. The content also explores bystander responses and provides practical information about support services for victims and users of violence.
Domestic Violence Awareness - Volvo Session 4

This session will help you to identify types of violence, common indicators of violence being used or experienced. The content also explores bystander responses and provides practical information about support services for victims and users of violence.
Domestic Violence Awareness - Volvo Session 3

This session will help you to identify types of violence, common indicators of violence being used or experienced. The content also explores bystander responses and provides practical information about support services for victims and users of violence.

Coffee and Connect

Coffee and Connect is a weekly supportive social group available for all Defence families to attend. This group supports parents and their children 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.
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.
Youth and Family Worker

The Youth & Family Worker provides a range of support, information and referrals which assist young people aged 12-18 years, their families and carers, in and environment that is non-judgemental, safe and friendly.
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.

About Us

We exist because all children and families should have a safe home, strong connections and opportunities to thrive in life.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Support The Family Co.

Help us put your donation to work where ever the need is greatest. You can give a one-off donation or make a regular gift by Direct Debit.
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.
Building Resilience in Children (BRIC)

Building Resilience in Children (BRIC) is a highly effective, trauma-informed, attachment parenting service designed to rebuild the relationship of the parent and child following domestic violence and trauma.