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.

To empower young people, their families and communities, we’ve developed programs across a range of areas:

Support Groups and education programs that encourage confidence, emotional regulation, build resilience and strengthen family relationships.
School based Education Programs around key topics of healthy relationships, consent, sexual assault prevention and domestic & family violence awareness.
Parent education programs to help parents increase understanding of adolescence and equip them with practical skills and strategies to improve communication and strengthen their relationship with their child.
Youth & Family Case Management that provide emotional support, advocacy and information.
Community based activities and programs.

Through these services, we help young people and their families navigate issues such as:

Family relationships and conflict
Peer relationships and school difficulties
Family and/or Relationship Violence
Education and Employment
Accommodation
Legal Issues
Alcohol & other drug abuse/support
Mental health challenges
Sexual health & sexuality
Social skills and self-confidence.

Latest

Tuning into Teens Abridged - Commencing 1 Nov 2023 *SUTHERAND 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 Wednesday 1st November 2023 from 6-8pm and will be held at Engadine High School. Please note this program is for SUTHERLAND SHIRE RESIDENTS ONLY
Consent Conversations: Parenting Seminar (18 October 2023) *Open to Sutherland Shire Residents Only

Join us on Wednesday 18th October 2023 from 7pm-8:30pm for a parenting workshop on the topic of "Consent Conversations" for parents wanting to learn how to talk to their kids about consent, and navigating their rights and responsibilities in relationships.
October School Holiday Art Class for Kids (Aged 7-12) - Clay & Painting

On 5th October, we're offering a School Holidays art class for kids! Using clay and painting methods, facilitated by a qualified art therapist, our child will have the opportunity to express themselves artistically while trying out new materials and art making techniques. Class is $40 for 1.5 hours and includes all materials. For children aged 7-12 only. Book now as limit of 12 children applies. Creative Kids Vouchers Accepted.
Pathway of Change: Domestic Violence Support Group (Term 4, 2023) *Open to Sutherland Shire Residents Only

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.

Coffee and Connect

Coffee and Connect is a supportive social group, 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.
Giggle and Grow

The free Giggle and Grow playgroup provides relaxed and fun organised playdates for parents and their babies aged 0-18 months. Held weekly at Yarrawarrah Community Hall, the sessions allow parents to connect, build their support network, and learn more about their babies. Facilitated by professional staff, the group helps build confidence in parenting skills.
Play and Connect

Play and Connect is a free playgroup for families, 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.
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 go 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.
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.
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.
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!
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, 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.
Support for Parents & Families

We offer services that support and strengthen the capacity of families, build parenting skills, and promote safety for all family members.