When your world is turned upside down, we can help you create a new normal

If you've recently started looking after your family member’s children because they can no longer care for them, it can be a turbulent and stressful time. Otherwise known as kinship care, this rapid change in circumstances can feel overwhelming for new carers, but support is available.

Family Care Support Services (FCSS) provides in-home practical support for carers and ensures you are equipped to provide safe, stable and connected care for the children you are looking after. We can assist you with:

• Developing a deeper understanding of how trauma affects children and how you can support them 
• Building a strong support network and links to the community for both you and the children in your care
• Increasing your knowledge and awareness of Departmental processes and practice
• Supporting the child's ongoing connection to their birth parent and culture

Amanda’s story

Amanda is a single grandcarer for three grandchildren with significant special needs. Before she worked with Wanslea, many of her family members made demands on her, staying in her home even when she didn't want them to. Her home was overcrowded and sometimes there were arguments and disruptions that upset the children's routines. These situations made it hard for Amanda to keep them safe. As a result, the children she cared for were at risk of having to move. 

We helped Amanda set rules about how everyone needs to behave in her home so that the children had stability. Our team helped her to talk to other agencies about what the children needed and made sure that she got the resources to help them. We also supported her at meetings to plan what she wanted to say and made sure she felt confident explaining decisions to the children. Amanda said she felt listened to and heard by the Wanslea workers.

The children's caseworker commented that Wanslea's support was 'irreplaceable and highly appreciated'. She particularly valued the time our team spent getting to know the children and supporting them through the changes that needed to take place to make their care arrangement stable.

How to access support

1. Understand your eligibility

This service is only for those new to the carer role or who require additional support to provide the quality of care needed to meet the children's needs. Priority for the service is given to carers looking after children who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. To access this service you must be referred to us by the Department of Communities and remain an open case.

2. Request a referral

If you feel like you, or someone you are working with could benefit from this service, please contact the family’s case manager at the Department of Communities to discuss the possibility of a referral.

3. Get support

If you are referred to us via the Department of Communities, you’ll be fully supported by our Social Worker and Family Support Worker who will be there as part of your team. They will work with you to provide resources based on your circumstances and needs.