Jess's Story

A Story from the Domestic and Family Violence Team

Jess* and her daughter Lily* were referred to The Family Co. after experiencing domestic violence. They were supported by the DV Casework team with immediate needs, before being referred for further support to the therapeutic worker.

Jess was seeking support in her parenting of Lily as she was suffering anxiety and not wanting to attend school or leave the house. Jess said Lily’s sleep routine had also been disrupted and she was going to bed late and sleeping in. Jess has organized for Lily to see a psychologist but after one session Lily did not want to go back. Jess said she was struggling in her own anxiety but was trying to help Lily get out of the house even if it was going to the shops or seeing a movie.

Jess said Lily was creative and loved drawing and painting and it was organised for her to attend art therapy sessions with her mum and the therapeutic caseworker.

Lily attended four art therapy sessions, Lily chose to paint, use clay and colour in the sessions. During the sessions the therapeutic caseworker helped Lily to speak about her feelings with her Mum and how Jess could learn how to best support her.

In the sessions Lily could speak openly to her Mum about how her dads’ behaviours affected her. Lily disclosed in the sessions how an incident with the police coming to the home had scared her and how she was having nightmares and finding it difficult to sleep.

Lily has replaced scared and angry with relaxed and happy.

After completing the sessions, Jess said she could see a difference in Lily’s mood, she was confident in herself and she was wanting to see her friends more and not wanting to stay at home as much.

Lily is now attending school regularly, is engaged with her friends and her sleep pattern is back to normal.

Jess said “Lily has replaced scared and angry with relaxed and happy!”.

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Latest

Tuning into Teens (Term 3 2026) (Sutherland Shire & Georges River 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 Wednesday 2nd September 2026 from 10:30am - 12:30pm. Please note this program is for SUTHERLAND SHIRE & GEORGES RIVER RESIDENTS ONLY
Pathway of Change Term 3, 2026

This free, 5-week education and support group is designed to provide a safe and nurturing space for women to understand the complexity of Domestic Violence and reduce the social isolation of their experience. Through the lived and shared experiences of women and their children, the group allows women to build on their strengths to keep themselves and their children safe.
Healing Connections Term 3, 2026

The Healing Connections program is a research-backed, evidence-based initiative led by The Family Co.s Therapeutic Domestic and Family Violence Services Team. Healing Connections is designed to support parents and caregivers in navigating the impact of Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) on their relationship with their children.
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The Better Futures Ball is The Family Co.'s biggest night of the year. A formal/black tie celebration bringing together our community, our partners and the people who make our work possible. All profits from the night go directly to the wraparound, trauma-informed support that helps families build safer homes, stronger connections and brighter futures.

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The Family Co’s Child, Youth & Family Team received a referral from Sutherland Community Mental Health to support a Mum and Dad needing support for their Son, Austin* who was having difficulty expressing his emotions, and lashing out physically. Both parents had their own physical and mental health concerns. Mum had previously expressed thoughts of suicide, and was able to tell the case worker about how the struggles they were currently facing was directly impacting how they were coping with
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Anna suffered financial, physical and psychological abusive at the hands of her husband. When she discovered abuse towards her children, she left, and started working with The Family Co. Family Worker team, to help her rebuild her life and start again.
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Amanda, with her children Ross and Michael, experienced psychological, financial and emotional abuse for 12 years. Through working with a Family Co. caseworker, and participating in the BRIC Project, Amanda and her children are looking forward to a brighter future.

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.
The Day After

The Day After is about the quiet moment after support arrives: when a woman feels safe at home, a child sleeps soundly, and life slowly starts to look like itself again. Your gift helps fund both the practical care a family needs and the work that makes it possible, helping more people across Southern Sydney move from surviving to thriving.
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.
Kid's Helpline

Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. The service can be accessed by calling 1800 55 1800 or their website https://kidshelpline.com.au
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.
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.
Play and Connect

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

The Family Co. Hurstville

The Family Co. is now open in Hurstville, offering a growing range of services to support families, women, children and young people across the local community. Whether you’re seeking help, looking to refer a client, or simply want to learn more, we’re here to help. Read more