Integrated Family Services
The Integrated Family Services (IFS) program supports a family’s stability, growth, and safety. We work with you to strengthen resilience and provide the tools and resources needed to create lasting positive changes for your children, young people, and everyone in your family.
About This Service
IFS is a supportive outreach program designed to help identify your family’s unique needs and guide you in reaching your goals with the help of a Family Life Practitioner. We provide education and practical strategies to improve family functioning and connectedness.
We assist families to link with a range of community-based support services relevant to your needs. We provide outreach support, both in-home and in the community, during the period of support.
Our Family Practitioners are here to connect you with a range of local services and resources that are tailored to meet your needs.
Is This Program for Me?
Integrated Family Services is available to:
- Families with children under 18 years of age
- Families requiring parenting and/or family functioning support
- Families requiring case management assistance, including (but not limited to): family violence, alcohol and other drug use, mental health concerns, homelessness, financial difficulties, attachment and bonding, boundaries and routines
- All community members including LGBTIQ+ and culturally & linguistically diverse (CALD).
This program is currently taking referrals for families residing in the Bayside Peninsula Area.
How We Help
- Working with you to assess your needs, plan support, and connect you to other services such as counselling, mediation, family violence support, financial counselling, and mental health services.
- Advocating on your behalf and assisting in organising referrals to the right services for your needs.
- Building your self-esteem and confidence, as well as that of your family members and caregivers.
- Providing guidance and advice on family routines to create a supportive environment.
- Offering advice on infant and child development, and supporting you to reach developmental milestones.
- Supporting you and your family if you’ve experienced family violence, and providing education on its impact on children’s development.
- Helping you and your family improve communication skills to strengthen relationships.
- Exploring further education and work opportunities for you and your family members.
- Assisting you in working through past trauma in a safe and supportive environment.
- Building on the strengths and positive qualities of each family member to create a stronger foundation.
- Helping you and your family develop self-care routines to promote wellbeing.
- Tailoring support to meet the unique needs of you and your family.
About IFS+
The Integrated Family Services (IFS)+ program provides a medium-term, intensive intervention for families requiring additional support to what mainstream IFS is able to provide.
The point of difference with IFS+ compared to a mainstream IFS allows families the space required to implement the tools and strategies they’ve learned through service with Family Life. Occasional support from a Family Practitioner is then available across a period of 4-6 months.
IFS+ Program Eligibility
- Families with a child/ren aged 0-17 (inclusive)
- A history of involvement with other services (such as Integrated Family Support program)
Referrals for IFS+ are determined through The Orange Door or Child Protection where it is expected that a more intensive support than Integrated Family Services would be of benefit.
Getting Started
To be referred to the program, please contact the Bayside Peninsula Orange Door on 1800 319 353.
If you would like to know more about this program, contact Family Life on (03) 8599 5433 or email info@familylife.com.au.
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